Salary Comparison

Computer Vision Engineer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

San Francisco, CA
$279,465
/ year
+78%
difference
Phoenix, AZ
$157,098
/ year
Bottom line: San Francisco wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Phoenix
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$279,465✓ higher
$157,098
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$180,729✓ higher
$101,595
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$432,143✓ higher
$242,924
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$186,411✓ higher
$105,528
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$166,348✓ higher
$161,957
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
0.97×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$180,729✓ higher
$101,595
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$432,143✓ higher
$242,924

What if you move from San Francisco to Phoenix?

Gross salary change
$122,367
78% decrease
Take-home change
$80,883
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$4,391
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

San Francisco, CA$279,465
P10: $180,729Median: $279,465P90: $432,143
Phoenix, AZ$157,098
P10: $101,595Median: $157,098P90: $242,924

More Computer Vision Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Computer Vision Engineer earn more in San Francisco or Phoenix?

The median Computer Vision Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $279,465/yr compared to $157,098/yr in Phoenix, AZ. San Francisco pays 78% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Computer Vision Engineer salary worth more in San Francisco or Phoenix after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $166,348/yr in a median-cost city, vs $161,957/yr for Phoenix. San Francisco offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Computer Vision Engineer in San Francisco vs Phoenix?

After estimated taxes, a Computer Vision Engineer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $186,411/yr, vs $105,528/yr in Phoenix, AZ. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.