Media & Communications San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Videographer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median videographer salary in San Francisco, CA is $112,840 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$112,840
vs State Avg
+$27,280
vs National
+$50,840
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median videographer salary of $112,840, which is $27,280 above the California state average of $85,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, 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 $112,840 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for videographers in San Francisco spans from $63,700 at the 10th percentile to $203,840 at the 90th percentile — a $140,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,160, while senior videographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $191,100. 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.

Videographer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level videographer earns around $69,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $191,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,160
+$31,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,480
+$52,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$191,100
+$86,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $63,700
25th Percentile $83,720
Median (50th) $112,840
75th Percentile $154,700
90th Percentile $203,840

Videographer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Videographer in San Francisco

Education

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

Key Skills

Video ProductionPremiere ProAfter EffectsLightingAudio RecordingStorytelling

Job Outlook

Nationally, videographer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Videographer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open videographer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Videographer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Videographer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median videographer salary in San Francisco, California is $112,840 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $63,700 (10th percentile) to $203,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Videographer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,840, a videographer in San Francisco earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for videographer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median videographer salary of $112,840 is 31.9% above the California state average of $85,560. 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 videographer salary of $112,840 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a videographer in San Francisco? ▼
Most videographer positions in San Francisco require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Video Production, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lighting. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.