Research Scientist Salary in San Francisco, CA
Research Scientist salary data for San Francisco, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Research Scientist Salary in San Francisco, CA — 2026
The median Research Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA is $178,200 per year ($14,850/month, $86/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 180, which is 80% above the national average.
Research Scientist Take-Home Pay in San Francisco
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $178,200 |
| Federal Tax | -$32,015 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$16,573 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$13,502 |
| Annual Take-Home | $116,110 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $9,676 |
Living Cost Comparison
Research Scientist Requirements
Key Skills
San Francisco Job Market Overview
San Francisco, California has a population of 873,965 and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. The top industries are Technology, Finance, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 2.5%, and the average commute time is 34 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
How much does a Research Scientist take home in San Francisco after taxes?
Is San Francisco a good city for Research Scientists?
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in San Francisco?
How does Research Scientist salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
The median Research Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA is $178,200 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 180. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $102,600, while senior-level professionals can earn $232,200 or more.
How much does a Research Scientist take home in San Francisco after taxes?
A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $178,200 in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $116,110 per year ($9,676/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.8%.
Is San Francisco a good city for Research Scientists?
San Francisco, CA has a cost of living index of 180 (above national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.2% and top industries include Technology, Finance, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in San Francisco?
Key skills for Research Scientists include Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing, Statistical Methods, Lab Management. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training.
How does Research Scientist salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In San Francisco, the adjusted salary is $178,200, which is 80.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.