Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

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

San Francisco, CA
$152,436
/ year
+24%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$123,044
/ 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
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$152,436✓ higher
$123,044
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$98,580✓ higher
$79,572
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$235,715✓ higher
$190,266
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$102,715✓ higher
$84,977
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$90,736✓ higher
$89,162
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.38×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$98,580✓ higher
$79,572
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$235,715✓ higher
$190,266

What if you move from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
$29,392
24% decrease
Take-home change
$17,738
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$1,574
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
Los Angeles, CA$123,044
P10: $79,572Median: $123,044P90: $190,266

More Systems Administrator salary comparisons

San Francisco vs New YorkSan Francisco vs ChicagoSan Francisco vs HoustonSan Francisco vs PhoenixSan Francisco vs PhiladelphiaSan Francisco vs San AntonioAll Systems Administrator salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Systems Administrator salary in San Francisco, CA is $152,436/yr compared to $123,044/yr in Los Angeles, CA. San Francisco pays 24% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator salary worth more in San Francisco or Los Angeles 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 $89,162/yr for Los Angeles. San Francisco offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $102,715/yr, vs $84,977/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.