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2026 Salary Guide

How much do Software Engineers make in San Francisco?

Real salary data from market sources, adjusted for San Francisco cost of living. Updated for 2026.

Starting$163,013
Average$194,063
Top Earners$232,875
+4.2% year over year for Software Engineer+3.2% year over year in San Francisco

Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level0-2 years
$131,963
$111,780$155,250
Mid Level3-6 years
$194,063
$163,013$232,875
Senior Level7+ years
$276,345
$232,875$333,788

What You Should Know

  • A mid-level Software Engineer in San Francisco typically earns around $194,063 per year.
  • Depending on experience, salaries range from $111,780 for entry-level up to $333,788 for top senior earners.
  • San Francisco salaries are 35% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.
  • Software Engineer pay is growing at 4.2% year over year — demand for this role remains strong.

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