University Professor Salary in San Francisco, California
Salary Distribution
BLS 2024Median University Professor in San Francisco, CA
Compensation Breakdown
BLS 2024How This Compares
Cost of living in San Francisco is 85% above the national average. Salary of $156,103 here is equivalent to $84,380 nationally.
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via FREDFed Funds Rate
Mar 2026
Inflation (CPI)
year-over-year
National Unemployment
Mar 2026
California Unemployment
Dec 2025
Avg Hourly Earnings
all private workers
10yr Treasury
Apr 2026
Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.
University Professor Salaries by City
Compare all US cities →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average University Professor salary in San Francisco?
The median University Professor salary in San Francisco is $156,103 per year, with a range from $105,450 at the 25th percentile to $218,300 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.
How does University Professor pay in San Francisco compare to the national average?
University Professor salaries in San Francisco are 85% above the national median of $84,380. After adjusting for San Francisco's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $84,380 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.
What factors affect University Professor salaries in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level University Professor roles start around $86,469, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $266,326 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.
Is San Francisco a good place for University Professor jobs?
San Francisco offers a University Professor median of $156,103, which is 85% above the US median of $84,380. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — San Francisco is 85% more expensive than the national average, so factor that into your math.
How do I negotiate a higher University Professor salary?
Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for University Professor in San Francisco is $218,300, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.