Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Data Scientists 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) | $174,700 | $132,800 | $227,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $217,200 | $165,100 | $282,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $249,700 | $189,800 | $324,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $299,600 | $227,700 | $389,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $339,500 | $258,100 | $441,400 |
Highest-paying metros for Data Scientists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Data Scientist salary in the San Francisco metro is $249,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $189,800 to $324,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $412,000 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +4% relative to the California state median for Data Scientists. 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 Scientists — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Data Scientist salary of $249,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Data Scientists in San Francisco start around $174,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $299,600 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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