Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in San Francisco, CA

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

Median annual salary $168,820 +19.8% vs national
Median hourly $81.16
10th percentile $86,290
90th percentile —
Employed locally 1,860
National median $140,910

Compare Computer and Information Research Scientists salary & buying power

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Computer and Information Research Scientists
in
San Francisco, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $86,290
    25th
    $120,140
    50th (median)
    $168,820
    75th
    $213,400

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Computer and Information Research Scientists salary vs area income 126% Median Computer and Information Research Scientists salary is 26% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Computer and Information Research Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $232,120
    Richmond, VA $231,930
    Washington $221,990
    Rochester, NY $204,340
    New York $197,390
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $191,880

    Nearby metros — Computer and Information Research Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $191,880
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $171,880
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $167,300
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $161,850
    California $156,290
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $149,070

    Related occupations in San Francisco, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Software Developers $174,910
    Computer Occupations, All Other $157,380
    Computer Systems Analysts $145,440
    Computer User Support Specialists $85,010
    Data Scientists $166,300
    Web and Digital Interface Designers $160,980

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists make per hour in San Francisco?

    The median hourly wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco, CA is $81.16, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $135.11 or more per hour.

    Is San Francisco above or below average for Computer and Information Research Scientists salaries?

    The median Computer and Information Research Scientists salary in San Francisco, CA is 19.8% above the national median of $140,910. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco?

    Entry-level Computer and Information Research Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $86,290 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $120,140.