High-paying science jobs in San Francisco
Science explores the natural world through research and experimentation. Scientists test hypotheses, analyze data, and contribute new knowledge. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are important.
The 748 science jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $51,047 and $234,315 per year. Researcher, Research Scientist and Senior Scientist are among the most popular high-paying roles in San Francisco, CA.
Job title
Updated Oct 26, 2026
Job title
San Francisco, CA
California
Job openings (San Francisco)
Research Scientist
San Francisco
$234,315
per year
California
$213,823
per year
Staff Scientist
San Francisco
$223,779
per year
California
$172,239
per year
Principal Scientist
San Francisco
$191,529
per year
California
$187,821
per year
Researcher
San Francisco
$191,470
per year
California
$173,544
per year
Life Science Consultant
San Francisco
$181,175
per year
California
$106,816
per year
Senior Scientist
San Francisco
$157,588
per year
California
$140,755
per year
Scientist
San Francisco
$147,246
per year
California
$123,582
per year
R&D Engineer
San Francisco
$48.42
per hour
California
$53.69
per hour
Research Associate
San Francisco
$97,818
per year
California
$67,478
per year
Clinical Research Coordinator
San Francisco
$32.01
per hour
California
$32.13
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Research Scientist
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Research scientists conduct experiments to advance knowledge in various fields, analyzing data to draw conclusions. Strong analytical skills, expertise in methodologies, and attention to detail are essential for this role.
Research Scientist jobs take 22 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 13% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$234,315 per yearCalifornia
$213,823 per yearSkills
- Research
- Analysis skills
- Python
- Laboratory experience
- Manufacturing
-
Staff Scientist
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Staff scientists conduct research and support project initiatives, often leading expertise within teams. Knowledge of methodologies, analytical skills and strong communication are paramount.
Currently, 25% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$223,779 per yearCalifornia
$172,239 per year -
Principal Scientist
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Principal Scientists lead research initiatives, driving innovation and strategic direction. They must have extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and deep industry knowledge.
Currently, 13% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$191,529 per yearCalifornia
$187,821 per year -
Researcher
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Researchers conduct studies to gather and analyze data, contributing to knowledge advancement. Critical thinking, analytical skills and expertise in methodology are essential for success in this role.
Researcher jobs take 75 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 24% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 14% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$191,470 per yearCalifornia
$173,544 per yearSkills
- Analysis skills
- Microsoft Excel
- English
- Microsoft Office
- Research & development
-
Life Science Consultant
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Life science consultants provide strategic guidance for life science organizations, leveraging their expertise. Key skills for this role include strong analytical skills, industry knowledge and effective communication.
Currently, 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$181,175 per yearCalifornia
$106,816 per year -
Senior Scientist
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior scientists lead research initiatives and mentor junior staff in their field of expertise. Key skills for this role include extensive knowledge, strong analytical skills and effective leadership.
Currently, 12% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$157,588 per yearCalifornia
$140,755 per yearSkills
- Communication skills
- Research
- Research & development
- Laboratory experience
- Analysis skills
-
Scientist
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Scientists conduct research and experiments to develop new knowledge or products. Key skills for this role include analytical thinking, technical expertise and effective communication.
Scientist jobs take 26 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 18% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$147,246 per yearCalifornia
$123,582 per yearSkills
- Python
- Machine learning
- Analysis skills
- Laboratory experience
-
R&D Engineer
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
R&D engineers develop innovative products and solutions through research and testing. Candidates should possess strong technical skills, creativity and knowledge of industry trends.
R&D Engineer jobs take 24 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$48.42 per hourCalifornia
$53.69 per hourSkills
- Software development
- C
- C++
- APIs
- .NET
-
Research Associate
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Research associates assist in studies by conducting experiments and gathering data. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and knowledge of research methods are essential in this role.
Research Associate jobs take 73 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 5% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$97,818 per yearCalifornia
$67,478 per yearSkills
- Research
- English
- Research & development
- Microsoft Excel
- Analysis skills
-
Clinical Research Coordinator
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Clinical research coordinators manage clinical trials, ensuring compliance and data integrity. Strong organization, communication skills and regulatory knowledge are essential in this role.
Clinical Research Coordinator jobs take 80 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 5% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$32.01 per hourCalifornia
$32.13 per hour