Average Data Scientists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Data Scientists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $164,690, significantly surpassing the national average of $126,010. This substantial premium is driven by the region's status as a global technology hub, intense demand for specialized analytical skills, and the high concentration of innovative companies seeking to leverage data for competitive advantage.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $164,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $227,300.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area presents a robust job market for Data Scientists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 9,350 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.57 indicates a concentration of these roles more than double the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand for data science expertise within this dynamic economic region.
Salary Overview
The average Data Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+30.7%above the national average.
$79.2
$3,167
$13,724
Data Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to infer a positive salary growth trend for Data Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont over the past four years. The persistent high demand for advanced analytical skills, coupled with the region's economic dynamism, typically translates into escalating compensation packages as companies compete for top talent.
Data Scientists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Salary progression for Data Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is strongly correlated with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects significant opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $91,410 | $43.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $123,518 | $59.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $166,300 | $80 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $205,863 | $99 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $227,300 | $109.3 |
Detailed Data Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$164,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$164,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $164,690 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is effectively balanced by the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100, precisely matching the national average. This means that while the absolute salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for professionals in the area.
Job Market Context
9,350
Total Jobs
3.888
Per 1K Jobs
2.57
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 2.6x the national concentration of Data 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 2.57, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Data Scientists, indicating that these roles are significantly more prevalent here than in the average U.S. metropolitan area. This high concentration suggests a competitive landscape for employers seeking talent, but also a rich ecosystem of opportunities for Data Scientists to find specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Data Scientists Salary | $117,650↓ 29% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Data Scientists Salary | $107,010↓ 35% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Data Scientists Salary | $225,590↑ 37% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Data Scientists Salary | $115,180↓ 30% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Data Scientists Salary | $125,360↓ 24% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Data Scientists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Data Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $164,690. This typically ranges from $91,410 for entry-level positions to $227,300 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 30.7% higher than the national median of $126,010.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Data Scientists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Data Scientists.The average salary of $164,690 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering excellent earning potential.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Data 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 Vallejo, CA ($117,650) and Napa, CA.
How does the number of Data Scientist jobs compare nationally?
With 3.888 jobs per 1,000 workers, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area has a significantly higher concentration of Data Scientist roles compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Data Scientists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
There are approximately 9,350 Data Scientists employed within the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area.
Does the cost of living impact the value of a Data Scientist's salary in San Francisco?
No, the cost of living in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is at the national average (100), meaning the high nominal salary of $164,690 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated is the Data Scientist job market in this region?
The market is highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 2.57, indicating that Data Scientist roles are more than twice as common here as they are nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,350 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 3.888 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Data Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA