Data Scientist Salary in San Francisco (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does data scientist in San Francisco make?
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In 2026, Data Scientists in San Francisco earn between $108,000 and $198,100 annually, with a median salary of $147,000. This reflects the high demand for data expertise in the tech-centric city.
Key Facts
- Median Data Scientist salary in San Francisco is $147,000.
- Entry-level positions start at $95,000 annually.
- Top companies hiring include SoFi and Salesforce.
- Cost of living is 89% higher than the national average.
- Key skills include Machine Learning and Python.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry Level (0-2 years): $95,000 – $120,000
- Mid Level (3-6 years): $120,000 – $160,000
- Senior Level (7+ years): $160,000 – $250,000+
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco's median Data Scientist salary of $147,000 surpasses the national average of $131,325. However, the city's cost of living is 89% higher than the U.S. average, impacting overall purchasing power.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Python, SQL, and Statistics significantly enhances earning potential for Data Scientists in San Francisco.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies like SoFi, Salesforce, and Genentech offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, reflecting the city's dynamic tech environment.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing in-demand skills like Machine Learning and Python. Networking within San Francisco's tech community can also open doors to top-tier opportunities.
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Data Scientist Insights — San Francisco
Data Scientist salaries in San Francisco range from $108,000 to $198,100, a 61% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $147,000 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 59/100 represents moderate living costs. At a median salary of $147,000, data scientist professionals here enjoy solid purchasing power relative to higher-cost tech hubs.
The hiring landscape for data scientist in San Francisco is anchored by employers like SoFi, Salesforce, and Genentech, 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 scientist in San Francisco centers around expertise in Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Python, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $198,100 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Data Engineer or Machine Learning Engineer.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Engineer | San Francisco | $107,180 - $300,000 | $171,054 |
| UX Designer | San Francisco | $101,000 - $168,000 | $114,579 |
| DevOps Engineer | San Francisco | $125,305 - $242,521 | $174,325 |
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $116,240 - $251,737 | $171,061 |
| Backend Engineer | San Francisco | $123,985 - $291,411 | $190,081 |
Data Scientist Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Data Scientist in San Francisco?
The average salary for a Data Scientist in San Francisco is approximately $147,000 per year.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco affect Data Scientist salaries?
While salaries are higher, the cost of living in San Francisco is 89% above the national average, which can impact overall financial comfort.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for data scientist in San Francisco is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)