iOS Developer Salary in San Francisco (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does ios developer in San Francisco make?
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In 2026, iOS Developers in San Francisco can expect salaries ranging from $87,391 for entry-level positions to $234,519 for roles at top companies like Apple. The median salary stands at $135,494, reflecting the city's competitive tech market.
Key Facts
- Entry-level iOS Developers earn approximately $87,391 annually.
- Apple offers iOS Developer salaries averaging $234,519 per year.
- San Francisco's cost of living index is 86.1, reflecting its high living expenses.
- Top companies hiring iOS Developers include Apple, Fieldwire, and Block.
- Proficiency in Swift and Objective-C significantly enhances salary prospects.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry Level (0-2 years): $87,391 per year
- Mid Level (3-5 years): $95,000 - $120,000 per year
- Senior Level (6-9 years): $120,000 - $145,000 per year
- Lead/Principal (10+ years): $145,000 - $175,000+ per year
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco offers some of the highest salaries for iOS Developers in the United States. For instance, in New York City, salaries range from $95,000 to $160,000, while in Los Angeles, they range from $90,000 to $145,000. This disparity is largely due to San Francisco's high cost of living and its status as a tech hub.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in Swift and Objective-C, experience with Xcode and iOS SDK, and the ability to integrate APIs are highly valued. Additionally, expertise in iOS architecture patterns and leading team projects can significantly boost earning potential.
Work Culture & Benefits
Many tech companies in San Francisco offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, stock options, and flexible work arrangements. The work culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, making it an attractive environment for tech professionals.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on mastering Swift and Objective-C, and gain experience with Xcode and iOS SDK. Engaging in continuous learning and obtaining relevant certifications can also enhance your career prospects.
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iOS Developer Insights — San Francisco
iOS Developer salaries in San Francisco range from $87,391 to $234,519, a 109% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $135,494 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 57/100 represents moderate living costs. At a median salary of $135,494, ios developer professionals here enjoy solid purchasing power relative to higher-cost tech hubs.
The hiring landscape for ios developer in San Francisco is anchored by employers like Apple, Fieldwire, and Block, 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 ios developer in San Francisco centers around expertise in Swift, Objective-C, Xcode, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $234,519 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Android Developer or Mobile Developer.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| DevOps Engineer | San Francisco | $125,305 - $242,521 | $174,325 |
| Data Scientist | San Francisco | $108,000 - $198,100 | $147,000 |
| QA Engineer | San Francisco | $100,000 - $230,000 | $128,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | San Francisco | $122,405 - $206,683 | $158,000 |
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $116,240 - $251,737 | $171,061 |
iOS Developer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an iOS Developer in San Francisco?
The average salary for an iOS Developer in San Francisco is $135,494 per year.
Which companies are hiring iOS Developers in San Francisco?
Top companies hiring iOS Developers in San Francisco include Apple, Fieldwire, Block, Hootsuite, and Vivint.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco affect iOS Developer salaries?
San Francisco's high cost of living contributes to higher salaries for iOS Developers compared to other cities.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for ios developer 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)