Science & Research San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Biomedical Engineer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median biomedical engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $183,329 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$183,329
vs State Avg
+$44,322
vs National
+$82,599
Cost of Living
182%

Biomedical Engineer Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median biomedical engineer salary of $183,329, which is $44,322 above the California state average of $139,007. Compared to the national median of $100,730, 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 $183,329 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $100,730. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for biomedical engineers in San Francisco spans from $112,840 at the 10th percentile to $283,920 at the 90th percentile — a $171,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $118,300, while senior biomedical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $269,360. 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.

Biomedical Engineer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level biomedical engineer earns around $118,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $269,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$118,300
+$53,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$185,640
+$83,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$269,360
+$121,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $112,840
25th Percentile $143,780
Median (50th) $183,329
75th Percentile $229,320
90th Percentile $283,920

Biomedical Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Biomedical Engineer in San Francisco

Education

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

Key Skills

Medical DevicesCAD/CAMFDA RegulationsBiomechanicsMATLABClinical Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, biomedical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Biomedical Engineer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open biomedical engineer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Biomedical Engineer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Biomedical Engineer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median biomedical engineer salary in San Francisco, California is $183,329 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $100,730. Salaries range from $112,840 (10th percentile) to $283,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Biomedical Engineer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $183,329, a biomedical engineer in San Francisco earns approximately $88 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for biomedical engineer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median biomedical engineer salary of $183,329 is 31.9% above the California state average of $139,007. 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 biomedical engineer salary of $183,329 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a biomedical engineer in San Francisco? ▼
Most biomedical engineer positions in San Francisco require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Devices, CAD/CAM, FDA Regulations, Biomechanics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.