Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Physician (MD/DO)s 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) | $297,900 | $226,400 | $387,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $370,300 | $281,400 | $481,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $425,700 | $323,500 | $553,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $510,800 | $388,200 | $664,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $578,900 | $439,900 | $752,600 |
Highest-paying metros for Physician (MD/DO)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Physician (MD/DO) salary in the San Francisco metro is $425,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $323,500 to $553,400 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $702,400 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +13% relative to the California state median for Physician (MD/DO)s. 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: +58%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Physician (MD/DO)s — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Physician (MD/DO) salary of $425,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Physician (MD/DO)s in San Francisco start around $297,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $510,800 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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