Full Stack Developer Salary in San Francisco (2026)
In 2026, Full Stack Developers in San Francisco earn between $122,405 and $206,683 annually, with a median salary of $158,000. This reflects the high demand for tech talent in the region.
Key Facts
- San Francisco's cost of living is 89% higher than the national average.
- Top companies hiring Full Stack Developers include Google, Facebook, and Apple.
- Proficiency in JavaScript frameworks like React and Node.js can boost salaries.
- The median salary for Full Stack Developers in San Francisco is $158,000.
- San Francisco offers a dynamic tech environment with abundant growth opportunities.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $119,235 per year
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): $119,575 per year
- Senior-Level (5-9 years): $124,192 per year
- Lead/Architect Roles (10+ years): $130,967 per year
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco's average Full Stack Developer salary of $158,000 is higher than many other tech hubs. For instance, in New York City, the average is approximately $114,120, and in San Jose, it's around $124,203. This premium reflects the competitive tech landscape and higher cost of living in San Francisco.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in JavaScript frameworks like React and Node.js, as well as experience with TypeScript and SQL, can significantly enhance earning potential. These skills are in high demand and often lead to higher compensation.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top tech companies in San Francisco offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, stock options, and generous paid time off. The work culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing ample opportunities for professional growth.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on mastering in-demand technologies like React and Node.js. Networking within San Francisco's tech community can also open doors to lucrative opportunities.
Full Stack Developer Insights — San Francisco
Full Stack Developer salaries in San Francisco range from $122,405 to $206,683, a 53% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $158,000 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 89/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $158,000 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for full stack developer in San Francisco is anchored by employers like Google, Facebook, 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 full stack developer in San Francisco centers around expertise in JavaScript, React, Node.js, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $206,683 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Front End Developer or Back End Developer.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Engineer | San Francisco | $111,803 - $312,614 | $186,953 |
| DevOps Engineer | San Francisco | $125,305 - $242,521 | $174,325 |
| Backend Engineer | San Francisco | $123,985 - $291,411 | $190,081 |
| iOS Developer | San Francisco | $87,391 - $234,519 | $135,494 |
| UX Designer | San Francisco | $101,000 - $168,000 | $114,579 |
Full Stack Developer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Full Stack Developer in San Francisco?
The average salary for a Full Stack Developer in San Francisco is approximately $158,000 per year.
How does San Francisco's cost of living affect Full Stack Developer salaries?
San Francisco's cost of living is 89% higher than the national average, which contributes to higher salaries to offset living expenses.
Which companies are top employers for Full Stack Developers in San Francisco?
Top employers include Google, Facebook, Apple, Salesforce, and Uber.
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