Personal Care & Fitness San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Esthetician Salary in San Francisco, California

The median esthetician salary in San Francisco, CA is $69,524 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$69,524
vs State Avg
+$16,808
vs National
+$31,324
Cost of Living
182%

Esthetician Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median esthetician salary of $69,524, which is $16,808 above the California state average of $52,716. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 $69,524 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,200. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for estheticians in San Francisco spans from $43,680 at the 10th percentile to $118,300 at the 90th percentile — a $74,620 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,320, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,840. 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.

Esthetician Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level esthetician earns around $47,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,320
+$21,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,980
+$31,980 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,840
+$50,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $54,600
Median (50th) $69,524
75th Percentile $94,640
90th Percentile $118,300

Esthetician Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$64,176
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$55,772
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$54,244
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$45,076
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Esthetician in San Francisco

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open esthetician positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Esthetician make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median esthetician salary in San Francisco, California is $69,524 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $118,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,524, a esthetician in San Francisco earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for esthetician pay? ▼
San Francisco's median esthetician salary of $69,524 is 31.9% above the California state average of $52,716. 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 esthetician salary of $69,524 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in San Francisco? ▼
Most esthetician positions in San Francisco require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.