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.
$167,349/yr
Typical range: $140,573 – $222,305
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 | $120,208 | $10,017 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,493 | $12,374 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $167,349 | $13,946 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $193,748 | $16,146 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $261,630 | $21,803 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $328,098 | $27,342 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $344,715 | $28,726 | +187% |
Current Salary
$167,349
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $80/hr
Next Level Target
$193,748
Senior · 6
+$26Kpotential 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 $167K 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 $167K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $80/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 $222K–$273K/yr.