Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Psychologist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median psychologist salary in San Francisco, CA is $162,127 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$162,127
vs State Avg
+$37,545
vs National
+$76,797
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median psychologist salary of $162,127, which is $37,545 above the California state average of $124,582. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 $162,127 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,081. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for psychologists in San Francisco spans from $91,200 at the 10th percentile to $294,500 at the 90th percentile — a $203,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $98,800, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $275,500. 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.

Psychologist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level psychologist earns around $98,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $275,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,800
+$46,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$167,200
+$79,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$275,500
+$130,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $91,200
25th Percentile $121,600
Median (50th) $162,127
75th Percentile $218,500
90th Percentile $294,500

Psychologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$150,181
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$131,408
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$127,995
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$107,516
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Psychologist in San Francisco

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist 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 Psychologist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open psychologist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Psychologist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median psychologist salary in San Francisco, California is $162,127 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $91,200 (10th percentile) to $294,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $162,127, a psychologist in San Francisco earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for psychologist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median psychologist salary of $162,127 is 30.1% above the California state average of $124,582. 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 psychologist salary of $162,127 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in San Francisco? ▼
Most psychologist positions in San Francisco require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.