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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Computer and Information Research Scientists salary in San Francisco, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Francisco metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$168,820
Mean annual$171,990
Range (10th to 90th)Not published
San Francisco, California employment1,860
State vs national+16.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco computer and information research scientists fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Master's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Inductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Technical

    4.0 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.

  2. 02

    Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.

  3. 03

    Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.

  4. 04

    Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.

  5. 05

    Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.

  6. 06

    Design computers and the software that runs them.

  7. 07

    Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.

  8. 08

    Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.

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Other metros in California

How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for computer and information research scientists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $168,820.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The San Francisco metro median is +8.0% versus the California state median of $156,290.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The San Francisco metro median is +16.3% versus the BLS national figure of $145,146.
What education is required for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.