🧠 Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

AI Research Scientist Salary in San Francisco, CA

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for AI Research Scientist in San Francisco, CA.

🛡️
Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +45%
$379,500
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $182.45/hr
📊 80% Range: $248,400 – $897,000
📍 Regional Multiplier: +38% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $248,400
25th % Junior $313,950
50th % Median $379,500
75th % Senior $638,250
90th % Top 10% $897,000
Base Annual Salary $379,500
Target Annual Bonus $45,540
Annual Stock / Equity $83,490
Total Compensation (TC) $508,530
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Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified AI Research Scientist Openings in San Francisco, CA

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $379,500/yr median benchmark.

View All Openings →
CA
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust • 📍 Cambridge, East of England, England

Clinical Scientist

Full-Time Mid-Senior
$41,659 – $47,672 per year
Apply ↗

Salary Progression by Experience Level in San Francisco, CA

Estimated pay progression across career stages for AI Research Scientist

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior AI Research Scientist

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$248,400
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

AI Research Scientist

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$379,500
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior AI Research Scientist

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$638,250
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$897,000

AI Research Scientist Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$379,500

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$374,000

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$368,500

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$352,000

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$352,000

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$352,000

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$343,750

California

COL Index: 142%
$343,750

Role Profile & Career Requirements

AI Research Scientists invent fundamental breakthroughs in Large Language Models (LLMs), reinforcement learning, computer vision, and multimodal cognitive systems.

Required Education
Ph.D. in AI, Machine Learning, or Computational Mathematics
Experience Benchmark
3-7+ years
10-Year Projected Growth
+45%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a AI Research Scientist make in San Francisco, CA?

The median annual salary for a AI Research Scientist in San Francisco, CA is $379,500, with entry-level professionals earning around $248,400 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $897,000.

What is the average hourly rate for a AI Research Scientist in San Francisco, CA?

On average, a AI Research Scientist in San Francisco, CA makes approximately $182.45 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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