TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Data Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$222,793/yr
Typical range: $187,147 – $295,957
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Data Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $160,035 | $13,336 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $197,690 | $16,474 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $222,793 | $18,566 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $257,938 | $21,495 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $348,311 | $29,026 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $436,800 | $36,400 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $458,923 | $38,244 | +187% |
Current Salary
$222,793
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $107/hr
Next Level Target
$257,938
Senior · 6
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Data Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Data Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $223K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Data Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $223K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $107/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Data Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $296K–$364K/yr.