Salary distribution
Where San Francisco computer and information research scientists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $108,670 and $219,630, with a median of $171,440.
Typical entry
Education
Master's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 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
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- 02
Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- 03
Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- 04
Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- 05
Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- 06
Design computers and the software that runs them.
- 07
Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- 08
Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for computer and information research scientists.
- San Jose$218,420
- Los Angeles$155,960
- Sacramento$139,210
- Riverside$137,330
- San Diego$121,530
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 $171,440.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +7.8% versus the California state median of $159,100.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +16.9% versus the BLS national figure of $146,718.
- What is the salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $96,440 and the 90th-percentile at $281,020 for the San Francisco metro area.
- 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.
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.