TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Data Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$160,035/yr
Typical range: $152,197 – $187,147
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $160,035 | $13,336 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $197,690 | $16,474 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 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
$160,035
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$197,690
Junior · 2
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Data Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Data Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $160K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Data Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $160K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Data Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $296K–$364K/yr.