Biological Technicians Salary in San Francisco, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $79,270 +52.4% vs national
Median hourly $38.11
10th percentile $50,750
90th percentile $107,170
Employed locally 3,510
National median $52,000

Compare Biological Technicians salary & buying power

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Biological Technicians
in
San Francisco, CA
vs

    In San Francisco, CA, biological technicians earn a median annual salary of $79,270, which is significantly higher than the national median of $52,000 for this occupation. This positions them well above the local area's median household income of $133,780, indicating that individual earnings can often exceed typical household earnings in this region. The comparison highlights both the competitive nature of the job market and the relatively high cost of living in San Francisco. With a local unemployment rate of 4.20%, biological technicians find themselves in a favorable position due to their specialized skills and above-average earnings, which are essential for meeting the higher expenses associated with residing in this metropolitan area.

    Entry-level biological technicians in San Francisco start at around $50,750 annually (10th percentile), while those gaining experience can earn up to approximately $107,170 per year at the 90th percentile. The substantial difference between these figures underscores how experience and specialization significantly impact earnings potential within the field. Experienced workers often command higher salaries due to their advanced skills, ability to handle complex tasks independently, and possibly additional qualifications or certifications that add value to their roles. This progression in pay reflects not only individual career development but also the demand for expertise in increasingly specialized areas of biological research and technical support.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,750
    25th
    $63,940
    50th (median)
    $79,270
    75th
    $99,990
    90th
    $107,170

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Biological Technicians salary vs area income 59% Median Biological Technicians salary is 41% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Biological Technicians make per hour in San Francisco?

    The median hourly wage for Biological Technicians in San Francisco, CA is $38.11, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $76.29 or more per hour.

    Is San Francisco above or below average for Biological Technicians salaries?

    The median Biological Technicians salary in San Francisco, CA is 52.4% above the national median of $52,000. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Biological Technicians in San Francisco?

    Entry-level Biological Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $50,750 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $63,940.