Business & Finance San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Human Resources Manager Salary in San Francisco, California

The median human resources manager salary in San Francisco, CA is $236,600 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$236,600
vs State Avg
+$57,200
vs National
+$106,600
Cost of Living
182%

Human Resources Manager Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median human resources manager salary of $236,600, which is $57,200 above the California state average of $179,400. Compared to the national median of $130,000, 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 $236,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $130,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for human resources managers in San Francisco spans from $142,324 at the 10th percentile to $378,560 at the 90th percentile — a $236,236 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $118,300, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $300,300. 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.

Human Resources Manager Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $118,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $300,300 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)
$191,100
+$86,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$300,300
+$135,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $142,324
25th Percentile $183,820
Median (50th) $236,600
75th Percentile $303,940
90th Percentile $378,560

Human Resources Manager Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$218,400
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$189,800
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$184,600
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$153,400
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in San Francisco

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager 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 Human Resources Manager Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open human resources manager positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in San Francisco, California is $236,600 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $142,324 (10th percentile) to $378,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $236,600, a human resources manager in San Francisco earns approximately $114 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for human resources manager pay? ▼
San Francisco's median human resources manager salary of $236,600 is 31.9% above the California state average of $179,400. 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 human resources manager salary of $236,600 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in San Francisco? ▼
Most human resources manager positions in San Francisco require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.