Data Engineer Salary in San Francisco (2026)

Data Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $107,180 to $300,000, a 113% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $171,054 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.

San Francisco's cost of living index of 47/100 means relatively affordable living costs compared to major tech centers. A $171,054 median gives data engineer professionals here strong purchasing power that stretches further than the same salary in cities like San Francisco or Zurich.

The hiring landscape for data engineer in San Francisco is anchored by employers like Meta, Google, and Apple, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.

Demand for data engineer in San Francisco centers around expertise in Python, SQL, AWS, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $300,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Data Scientist or Data Analyst.