Agriculture & Environment San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Agricultural Scientist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median agricultural scientist salary in San Francisco, CA is $134,971 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$134,971
vs State Avg
+$32,630
vs National
+$60,811
Cost of Living
182%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $134,971, which is $32,630 above the California state average of $102,341. Compared to the national median of $74,160, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $134,971 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in San Francisco spans from $80,080 at the 10th percentile to $222,040 at the 90th percentile — a $141,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,360, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,300. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $87,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,360
+$39,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$138,320
+$62,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,300
+$94,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $80,080
25th Percentile $101,920
Median (50th) $134,971
75th Percentile $178,360
90th Percentile $222,040

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in San Francisco

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in San Francisco, California is $134,971 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $80,080 (10th percentile) to $222,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,971, a agricultural scientist in San Francisco earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median agricultural scientist salary of $134,971 is 31.9% above the California state average of $102,341. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $134,971 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in San Francisco? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in San Francisco require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.