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 669 science jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $76,023 and $228,858 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 10, 2026
Job title
San Francisco, CA
California
Job openings (San Francisco)
Research Scientist
San Francisco
$228,858
per year
California
$211,008
per year
Staff Scientist
San Francisco
$221,722
per year
California
$173,238
per year
Principal Scientist
San Francisco
$194,820
per year
California
$190,392
per year
Researcher
San Francisco
$191,555
per year
California
$168,363
per year
Life Science Consultant
San Francisco
$183,572
per year
California
$107,693
per year
Senior Scientist
San Francisco
$157,468
per year
California
$139,991
per year
Scientist
San Francisco
$144,958
per year
California
$122,858
per year
R&D Engineer
San Francisco
$51.27
per hour
California
$53.33
per hour
Research Associate
San Francisco
$101,202
per year
California
$66,822
per year
Clinical Research Coordinator
San Francisco
$76,023
per year
California
$50,850
per year
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
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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 89 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$228,858 per yearCalifornia
$211,008 per yearSkills
- Research
- Analysis skills
- Python
- Laboratory experience
- Manufacturing
-
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 42 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$221,722 per yearCalifornia
$173,238 per year -
Principal Scientist
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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, 16% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 50 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$194,820 per yearCalifornia
$190,392 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 76 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 23% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 16% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 103 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$191,555 per yearCalifornia
$168,363 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, 11% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 88 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$183,572 per yearCalifornia
$107,693 per yearSkills
- Technical writing
- Quality control
- Quality management
- Quality assurance
- Organizational skills
-
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.
Senior Scientist jobs take 7 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 87 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$157,468 per yearCalifornia
$139,991 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 25 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 21% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 81 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$144,958 per yearCalifornia
$122,858 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, 11% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 49 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$51.27 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 76 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 11% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 6% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 52 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$101,202 per yearCalifornia
$66,822 per yearSkills
- Research
- English
- Research & development
- Microsoft Excel
- Analysis skills
-
Clinical Research Coordinator
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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 101 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 6% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 28 jobsAverage pay
San Francisco
$76,023 per yearCalifornia
$50,850 per yearSkills
- Clinical research
- Clinical trials
- Research
- Good Clinical Practice
- Medical terminology