Software Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 compensation data for Software Engineer positions in San Francisco. Ranges from $105,000 (entry-level) to $304,000 (senior).
Median (Mid)
$189,000
vs National
+4%
COL Index
180
Senior Max
$304,000
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Minimum | Median | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $105,000 | $128,000 | $155,000 |
| Mid-Level | $155,000 | $189,000 | $223,000 |
| Senior | $216,000 | $257,000 | $304,000 |
About Software Engineer Salaries in San Francisco
The median software engineer salary in San Francisco is $189,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 180 (national average = 100), San Francisco offers a higher cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level software engineers in San Francisco can expect to earn between $105,000 and $155,000, while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $304,000.
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets.
Software Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
New York
$179,000
Mid-level median
Seattle
$171,000
Mid-level median
Los Angeles
$161,000
Mid-level median
Chicago
$147,000
Mid-level median
Austin
$143,000
Mid-level median
Denver
$147,000
Mid-level median
Remote (US)
$133,000
Mid-level median
Boston
$165,000
Mid-level median
Washington D.C.
$168,000
Mid-level median
Atlanta
$140,000
Mid-level median
Dallas
$140,000
Mid-level median
Miami
$151,000
Mid-level median
Phoenix
$133,000
Mid-level median
Minneapolis
$143,000
Mid-level median
Raleigh
$137,000
Mid-level median
Other Roles in San Francisco
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