As of March 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Big Data Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA is $178,673, equivalent to $86 per hour, $3,436 weekly, or $14,889 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Big Data Software Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Big Data Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA vary widely, spanning from $151,501 to $207,821. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($164,450) and 75th percentile ($193,930), while top earners (90th percentile) make $207,821 per year. This $29,480 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, San Francisco Big Data Software Engineer often earn 13.2% higher than national averages. However, San Francisco currently ranks 5 statewide for Big Data Software Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Big Data Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $151,501 San Francisco, CA March 01, 2026
25th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $164,450 San Francisco, CA March 01, 2026
50th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $178,673 San Francisco, CA March 01, 2026
75th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $193,930 San Francisco, CA March 01, 2026
90th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $207,821 San Francisco, CA March 01, 2026
25% $164,450 10% $151,501 90% $207,821 75% $193,930 $178,673 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A Big Data Software Engineer ?

A Big Data Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable data processing systems. This role involves working with large datasets, utilizing technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases. Key responsibilities include optimizing data pipelines, ensuring data quality, and collaborating with data scientists and analysts to implement data-driven solutions. The salary for a Big Data Software Engineer varies based on experience, location, and the specific industry. On average, salaries range from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, with potential for highe...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

See user submitted job responsibilities for Big Data Software Engineer.

Job Openings for Big Data Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Big Data Software Engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for A Big Data Software Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
164450
193930
178673

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
178946
219519
198247
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Big Data Software Engineer in San Francisco, CA. The base salary for Big Data Software Engineer ranges from $164,450 to $193,930 with the average base salary of $178,673. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $178,946 to $219,519 with the average total cash compensation of $198,247.

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For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

164450
193930

 

About San Francisco, California    San Francisco is located on the West Coast of the United States at the north end of the San Francisco Peninsula and includes significant stretches of ....More

San Francisco, California  area prices were up 4.5% from a year ago

Big Data Software Engineer Salary in popular cities: Los AngelesSan DiegoSan Jose

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