Civil Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Engineering · COL Index: 179.6
$126,560
Median Salary
$134,970
Mean Salary
$70,468
COL-Adjusted
9,920
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $85,960 | $47,862 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,790 | $56,119 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $126,560 | $70,468 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,790 | $90,084 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $199,010 | $110,807 |
What Drives the Range
The $113,050 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Civil Engineer positions in San Francisco, CA reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
San Francisco, CA's cost-of-living index of 179.6 means that a $126,560 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $70,468 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.