Frontend Engineer Salary in San Francisco (2026)
In 2026, Frontend Engineers in San Francisco earn between $89,000 and $240,000 annually, with a median salary of $147,625. This reflects the city's high demand for tech talent and its elevated cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level
Junior Frontend Engineer: Salaries typically start around $89,000 per year. (wellfound.com)
Mid-Level Frontend Engineer: Average salaries range from $125,000 to $167,000 annually. (wellfound.com)
Senior Frontend Engineer: Compensation can reach up to $240,000 per year. (wellfound.com)
Lead Frontend Engineer: Salaries often exceed $240,000, depending on the company and specific role. (wellfound.com)
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco's cost of living is 89% higher than the U.S. national average. (salary.com) Housing costs are particularly steep, with the median home price at $1.37 million. (kiplinger.com) In contrast, cities like Austin and Seattle offer lower living expenses, making them attractive alternatives for tech professionals.
Skills That Command Premium
GraphQL: Average salary of $185,000. (wellfound.com)
D3.js: Average salary of $130,000. (wellfound.com)
JavaScript: Average salary of $101,000. (wellfound.com)
TypeScript: Average salary of $101,000. (wellfound.com)
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies like LinkedIn, Apple, Salesforce, Amazon, and Ketch offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, stock options, and flexible work arrangements. The tech industry in San Francisco is known for its innovative culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Highlights
Median salary for Frontend Engineers in San Francisco is $147,625. (wellfound.com)
Cost of living is 89% higher than the national average. (salary.com)
Top-paying skills include GraphQL and D3.js. (wellfound.com)
Major employers include LinkedIn, Apple, and Salesforce.
Housing costs are significantly above the national average. (kiplinger.com)
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, Frontend Engineers should focus on mastering high-demand skills like GraphQL and D3.js. Networking within San Francisco's tech community and staying updated with industry trends can also open doors to lucrative opportunities.
FAQs
What is the average salary for a Frontend Engineer in San Francisco?
The average salary is approximately $147,625 per year. (wellfound.com)
How does San Francisco's cost of living affect Frontend Engineers?
With a cost of living 89% higher than the national average, higher salaries are often offset by increased expenses. (salary.com)
Which companies are hiring Frontend Engineers in San Francisco?
Top companies include LinkedIn, Apple, Salesforce, Amazon, and Ketch.
What skills can increase a Frontend Engineer's salary?
Proficiency in GraphQL and D3.js can command higher salaries. (wellfound.com)
Is San Francisco a good place for Frontend Engineers to work?
Yes, despite the high cost of living, the city offers numerous opportunities and a vibrant tech culture.
Top Hiring Companies
Frontend Engineer Insights — San Francisco
Frontend Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $89,000 to $240,000, a 102% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $147,625 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 89/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $147,625 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for frontend engineer in San Francisco is anchored by employers like LinkedIn, Apple, and Salesforce, 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 frontend engineer in San Francisco centers around expertise in JavaScript, React, TypeScript, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $240,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Backend Engineer or Full Stack Developer.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $116,240 - $251,737 | $171,061 |
| Full Stack Developer | San Francisco | $122,405 - $206,683 | $158,000 |
| ML Engineer | San Francisco | $156,276 - $300,778 | $216,805 |
| Security Engineer | San Francisco | $111,803 - $312,614 | $186,953 |
| iOS Developer | San Francisco | $87,391 - $234,519 | $135,494 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average software engineer salary in San Francisco?
Software engineers in San Francisco earn between $89,000 and $240,000 per year, with a median around $164,500. Salaries vary based on experience level, tech stack, and company size.
Do I need to speak the local language to work as a software engineer in San Francisco?
English is the working language at most tech companies in San Francisco, particularly at startups and international firms. However, learning the local language can help with daily life and open up opportunities at domestic companies.
What tech skills are most in demand for software engineers in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, the most in-demand skills include JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Python, cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), and Kubernetes. Specialized skills in machine learning, system design, or specific frameworks like Next.js can command 15-25% salary premiums.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco compare to the salary?
While San Francisco offers competitive salaries, it's important to consider the cost of living. Housing is typically the largest expense - expect to spend 25-40% of gross income on rent. However, San Francisco offers excellent public transportation, healthcare, and quality of life that offset costs.
What's the visa situation for non-EU software engineers in San Francisco?
San Francisco has various visa programs for skilled tech workers. Many companies offer sponsorship, especially for in-demand roles like software engineering. Check the specific requirements for your country of origin.
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