TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Data Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$196,456/yr
Typical range: $165,023 – $260,970
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Data Scientist 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 | $141,116 | $11,760 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $174,320 | $14,527 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $196,456 | $16,371 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $227,446 | $18,954 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $307,136 | $25,595 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $385,165 | $32,097 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $404,672 | $33,723 | +187% |
Current Salary
$196,456
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $94/hr
Next Level Target
$227,446
Senior · 6
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Data Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Data Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $196K 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 Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $196K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $94/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Data Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $261K–$321K/yr.