Computer and Information Research Scientists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $171,990. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $167,850, reflecting the region's high demand for specialized tech talent and its status as a global innovation hub. The concentration of leading technology firms and research institutions in the Bay Area directly influences this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $171,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $257,985.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area presents a robust job market for Computer and Information Research Scientists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,860 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 3.09 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region's tech ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+2.5%above the national average.
$82.7
$3,308
$14,333
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in a dynamic market like San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by ongoing technological advancements, increasing demand for sophisticated research and development, and competitive pressures among employers to attract top-tier talent.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is strongly correlated with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive research, development, and leadership experience can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between lower and higher salary percentiles underscores the substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities available to experienced individuals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $86,290 | $41.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $128,993 | $62 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $168,820 | $81.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $214,988 | $103.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $257,985 | $124 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$171,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$171,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $171,990 for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is particularly noteworthy when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the high salaries are necessary to maintain parity with the cost of living in this expensive region.
Job Market Context
1,860
Total Jobs
0.772
Per 1K Jobs
3.09
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 3.1x the national concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 3.09, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated presence of Computer and Information Research Scientists. This signifies a market where these professionals are in significant demand and form a crucial component of the local economy, far exceeding national averages in terms of their prevalence per capita. This concentration suggests a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for those in this specialized role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $201,460↑ 17% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $171,990. This typically ranges from $86,290 for entry-level positions to $257,985 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 2.5% higher than the national median of $167,850.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location.Computer and Information Research Scientists earn an average of $171,990 annually, significantly above the national average, while maintaining a cost of living equivalent to the national average.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($201,460) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $171,990, which is higher than the national average of $167,850.
What is the concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.09, indicating that this region has over three times the national average presence of these professionals.
How does the Cost of Living in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the higher nominal salary of $171,990 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite the perception of high regional costs.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
With 0.772 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a notable presence and demand for Computer and Information Research Scientists within the local labor market, contributing to the competitive salary landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,860 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.772 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA