In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations command an impressive average annual salary of $129,650. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $91,840, reflecting the region's high demand for specialized scientific talent and the concentration of leading research institutions and biotechnology firms.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $129,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $204,860.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area demonstrates a robust job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 44,030 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.95 indicates a strong concentration of these roles, suggesting that the region is a significant hub for scientific endeavors and offers ample opportunities for professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+41.2%above the national average.
$62.3
$2,493
$10,804
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the dynamic San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by ongoing innovation, increased investment in research and development, and a persistent demand for skilled scientists in this economically vibrant region.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is strongly correlated with experience. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher compensation. The widening percentile gaps in salary clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,280 | $30.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $97,238 | $46.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $126,190 | $60.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $162,063 | $77.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $204,860 | $98.5 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$129,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$129,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $129,650 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is particularly noteworthy when considering the local Cost of Living Index is at the national average of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is aligned with the national standard, indicating that the higher pay is necessary to maintain a comparable lifestyle in this high-cost region.
Job Market Context
44,030
Total Jobs
18.304
Per 1K Jobs
1.95
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 1.9x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 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 1.95, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area exhibits a job market that is nearly twice as concentrated in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This high concentration signifies a competitive yet abundant market, where specialized talent is in high demand and readily available, fostering a dynamic environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $101,080↓ 22% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $83,850↓ 35% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $124,270↓ 4% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $95,550↓ 26% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $97,870↓ 25% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $129,650. This typically ranges from $63,280 for entry-level positions to $204,860 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 41.2% higher than the national median of $91,840.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for these professions.Professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn a significantly higher average salary of $129,650 compared to the national average. This is supported by a strong market concentration and a cost of living that aligns with the national average, making the higher nominal salary translate effectively.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($101,080) and Napa, CA.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
The local workforce of 44,030 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations indicates a substantial presence of these roles, suggesting a mature and active job market with ongoing opportunities for employment and career development within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.95 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.95 means that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are nearly twice as concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area as they are nationally. This suggests a higher demand and a more specialized job market for these professionals.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the cost of living is at the national average. Therefore, the higher average salary of $129,650 provides strong purchasing power for professionals in this region, making it financially attractive.
What is the number of Life, Physical, and Social Science jobs per 1,000 workers in this area?
There are 18.304 jobs per 1,000 workers in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area, indicating a healthy presence of these roles within the overall employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 44,030 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 18.304 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA