In San Francisco, CA, Data Scientists earn a median of $163,430 a year — about 37% above the U.S. median of $119,040. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #3.
What that pay is worth in San Francisco
Local prices run 116 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $158,940 salary buys less than it looks — about $137,476 in national-average buying power.
Can Data Scientists afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 — 8.7 times the average Data Scientist salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,419/mo takes roughly 18% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Data Scientist pay ladder in San Francisco
Entry-level (10th percentile) Data Scientists earn about $83,130; the top 10% reach $218,560 — a $135,430 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Data Scientist job market in San Francisco
San Francisco employs roughly 8,870 Data Scientists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Francisco with other cities
See the full Data Scientist salary by city ranking to weigh San Francisco against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Data Scientists make in San Francisco?
The average Data Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns about $158,940 per year, 33.5% above the national average of $119,040.
What is the take-home pay for Data Scientists in San Francisco after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $158,940 salary is worth about $109,196 a year - roughly $9,099 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 31%.
What do the highest-paid Data Scientists earn in San Francisco?
The top 10% of Data Scientists in San Francisco earn about $218,560 a year, versus about $83,130 for the bottom 10%.
Can Data Scientists afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 - roughly 8.7x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.