Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Data Engineers in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $167,700 | $127,400 | $218,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $208,400 | $158,400 | $271,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $239,600 | $182,100 | $311,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $287,500 | $218,500 | $373,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $325,800 | $247,600 | $423,600 |
Highest-paying metros for Data Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Data Engineer salary in the San Francisco metro is $239,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $182,100 to $311,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $395,300 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +4% relative to the California state median for Data Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Francisco vs. national: +61%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Data Engineers — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Data Engineer salary of $239,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Data Engineers in San Francisco start around $167,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $287,500 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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