Data Scientist Salary in San Francisco
Median salary for a Data Scientist in San Francisco is $240k per year. Hire remotely via KiteHR and save 52% — or $125k annually.
Local Median
$240k
Remote Median
$115k
You Save
52%
Annual Savings
$125k
Local vs. Remote Salary Comparison
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Local (San Francisco) | Remote |
|---|---|---|
| P25 — Entry level | $190k | $103k |
| P50 — Median | $240k | $115k |
| P75 — Senior / Lead | $290k | $127k |
Total Employer Cost
Salary + estimated benefits, payroll taxes, and overhead (30% local / 15% remote).
In-person in San Francisco
$312k
/year total cost
Remote via KiteHR
$132k
/year total cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist salary in San Francisco?
The median Data Scientist salary in San Francisco is $240k per year. Entry-level roles start around $190k, while senior or lead-level Data Scientists can earn up to $290k. Data reflects 2025 market rates sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research.
How much can I save hiring a remote Data Scientist?
Hiring a remote Data Scientist vs. a San Francisco-based hire saves approximately 52% — or $125k per year. Remote Engineering professionals typically earn $115k median, compared to the local San Francisco rate of $240k.
Is it common to hire a remote Data Scientist?
Yes — Engineering roles like Data Scientist have a high degree of remote compatibility. Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia have deep talent pools for this category. KiteHR can help you post the role, screen candidates, and manage the hiring pipeline entirely online.
What is the total employer cost for a Data Scientist in San Francisco?
The total employer cost — including salary, payroll taxes, health benefits, and overhead — for a Data Scientist in San Francisco is approximately $312k per year. Hiring remote reduces this to roughly $132k, saving $180k annually.
Savings Calculator
How many Data Scientists are you hiring in San Francisco?
Annual savings with remote team
$374k
$125k per role × 3 hires
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- Demand in San Francisco
- high
- Category
- Engineering
- Data year
- 2025
- Currency
- USD
Other Engineering Roles in San Francisco
Data sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research. Figures are estimates and may vary by company, seniority, and experience level.
Data Scientist Salary in Other Cities
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