Trades & Labor San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Solar Installer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median solar installer salary in San Francisco, CA is $89,143 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 30.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$89,143
vs State Avg
+$20,975
vs National
+$41,473
Cost of Living
182%

Solar Installer Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median solar installer salary of $89,143, which is $20,975 above the California state average of $68,168. Compared to the national median of $47,670, 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 $89,143 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,980. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for solar installers in San Francisco spans from $59,840 at the 10th percentile to $134,640 at the 90th percentile — a $74,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,580, while senior solar installers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,160. 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.

Solar Installer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level solar installer earns around $63,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,580
+$29,580 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,630
+$42,630 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,160
+$59,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $59,840
25th Percentile $71,060
Median (50th) $89,143
75th Percentile $112,200
90th Percentile $134,640

Solar Installer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Solar Installer in San Francisco

Education

Most solar installer positions require a high school diploma. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open solar installer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Solar Installer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median solar installer salary in San Francisco, California is $89,143 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $59,840 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,143, a solar installer in San Francisco earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for solar installer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median solar installer salary of $89,143 is 30.8% above the California state average of $68,168. 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 solar installer salary of $89,143 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar installer in San Francisco? ▼
Most solar installer positions in San Francisco require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.