Data Scientist Salary in San Francisco, California
The median data scientist salary in San Francisco, CA is $212,799 per year, which is 97.0% above the national median and 28.8% above the California state average.
Data Scientist Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)
San Francisco offers a median data scientist salary of $212,799, which is $47,528 above the California state average of $165,271. Compared to the national median of $108,020, 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 $212,799 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $116,923. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for data scientists in San Francisco spans from $120,958 at the 10th percentile to $351,054 at the 90th percentile — a $230,096 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $141,840, while senior data scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $325,050. 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.
Data Scientist Salary in San Francisco by Experience
In San Francisco, an entry-level data scientist earns around $141,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $325,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA
| Percentile | San Francisco |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $120,958 |
| 25th Percentile | $165,874 |
| Median (50th) | $212,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $277,770 |
| 90th Percentile | $351,054 |
Data Scientist Salary in Other California Cities
How to Become a Data Scientist in San Francisco
Education
Most data scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Scientist Jobs in San Francisco
Browse open data scientist positions in San Francisco, CA: