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.
$137,699/yr
Typical range: $130,955 – $161,027
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 | $137,699 | $11,475 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $170,099 | $14,175 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $191,699 | $15,975 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $221,939 | $18,495 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $299,699 | $24,975 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $375,838 | $31,320 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $394,873 | $32,906 | +187% |
Current Salary
$137,699
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$170,099
Junior · 2
+$32Kpotential 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 $138K 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 $138K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/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 $255K–$313K/yr.