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 754 science jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $98,483 and $222,551 per year. Researcher, Research Scientist and Life Science Consultant are among the most popular high-paying roles in San Francisco, CA.
Job title
Updated Sep 29, 2026
Job title
San Francisco, CA
California
Job openings (San Francisco)
Staff Scientist
San Francisco
$222,551
per year
California
$173,576
per year
Research Scientist
San Francisco
$221,982
per year
California
$210,721
per year
Applied Scientist
San Francisco
$221,580
per year
California
$185,901
per year
Principal Scientist
San Francisco
$194,105
per year
California
$188,857
per year
Researcher
San Francisco
$192,003
per year
California
$168,674
per year
Life Science Consultant
San Francisco
$181,819
per year
California
$108,949
per year
Senior Scientist
San Francisco
$160,026
per year
California
$140,205
per year
Scientist
San Francisco
$146,403
per year
California
$122,990
per year
R&D Engineer
San Francisco
$51.39
per hour
California
$53.33
per hour
Research Associate
San Francisco
$98,483
per year
California
$67,345
per year
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
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Staff Scientist
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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 46 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$222,551 per yearCalifornia
$173,576 per year -
Research Scientist
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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 20 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 12% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 5% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 113 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$221,982 per yearCalifornia
$210,721 per yearSkills
- Research
- Analysis skills
- Python
- Laboratory experience
- Manufacturing
-
Applied Scientist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Applied scientists develop practical applications for scientific research, bridging theory and practice. Key skills include research expertise, problem-solving abilities and project management.
Applied Scientist jobs take 6 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 15% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 22 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$221,580 per yearCalifornia
$185,901 per year -
Principal Scientist
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Principal Scientists lead research initiatives, driving innovation and strategic direction. They must have extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and deep industry knowledge.
Currently, 14% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 66 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$194,105 per yearCalifornia
$188,857 per year -
Researcher
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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, 26% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 15% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 126 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$192,003 per yearCalifornia
$168,674 per yearSkills
- Analysis skills
- Microsoft Excel
- English
- Microsoft Office
- Research & development
-
Life Science Consultant
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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, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 95 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$181,819 per yearCalifornia
$108,949 per yearSkills
- Technical writing
- Quality control
- Quality management
- Quality assurance
- Organizational skills
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Senior Scientist
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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, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 94 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$160,026 per yearCalifornia
$140,205 per yearSkills
- Communication skills
- Research
- Research & development
- Laboratory experience
- Analysis skills
-
Scientist
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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 95 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$146,403 per yearCalifornia
$122,990 per yearSkills
- Python
- Machine learning
- Analysis skills
- Laboratory experience
-
R&D Engineer
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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 23 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 48 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$51.39 per hourCalifornia
$53.33 per hourSkills
- C
- C++
- APIs
- .NET
- Agile
-
Research Associate
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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 62 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 6% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 49 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$98,483 per yearCalifornia
$67,345 per yearSkills
- Research
- English
- Research & development
- Microsoft Excel
- Analysis skills