Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs London

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

San Francisco, CA
$152,436
/ year
+73%
difference
London
$87,954
/ 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
London
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$152,436✓ higher
$87,954
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$98,580✓ higher
$56,879
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$235,715✓ higher
$136,005
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$102,715✓ higher
$59,809
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$90,736✓ higher
$58,636
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.50×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$98,580✓ higher
$44,934
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$235,715✓ higher
$107,444

What if you move from San Francisco to London?

Gross salary change
$64,482
73% decrease
Take-home change
$42,906
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$32,100
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$152,436
P10: $98,580Median: $152,436P90: $235,715
London$87,954
P10: $44,934Median: $87,954P90: $107,444

More Systems Administrator salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Systems Administrator earn more in San Francisco or London?

The median Systems Administrator salary in San Francisco, CA is $152,436/yr compared to £69,484/yr in London. San Francisco pays 73% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator salary worth more in San Francisco or London after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $90,736/yr in a median-cost city, vs $58,636/yr for London. San Francisco offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Systems Administrator in San Francisco vs London?

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $102,715/yr, vs $59,809/yr in London. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.