TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Data Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$227,446/yr
Typical range: $260,970 – $320,899
P75 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $196,456 | $16,371 | +39% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$227,446
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$307,136
Staff · 10
+$80Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Data Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Data Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $227K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Data Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $227K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior 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.