As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Research Biologist in San Francisco, CA is $70,015, equivalent to $34 per hour, $1,346 weekly, or $5,835 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Research Biologist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Research Biologist in San Francisco, CA vary widely, spanning from $55,175 to $82,075. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($62,247) and 75th percentile ($76,327), while top earners (90th percentile) make $82,075 per year. This $14,080 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Microbiology, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, San Francisco Research Biologist often earn 13.1% higher than national averages. However, San Francisco currently ranks 3 statewide for Research Biologist 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
Research Biologist Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $55,175 San Francisco, CA August 01, 2026
25th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $62,247 San Francisco, CA August 01, 2026
50th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $70,015 San Francisco, CA August 01, 2026
75th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $76,327 San Francisco, CA August 01, 2026
90th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $82,075 San Francisco, CA August 01, 2026
25% $62,247 10% $55,175 90% $82,075 75% $76,327 $70,015 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a Research Biologist ?

A biologist is a scientist who has specialized knowledge in the field of biology, the scientific study of life. Biologists involved in fundamental research attempt to explore and further explain the underlying mechanisms that govern the functioning of living matter. Biologists involved in applied research attempt to develop or improve more specific processes and understanding, in fields such as medicine and industry. Biologists are interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms that govern the functioning of living matter as well as the complex properties that emerge from the biophysic...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Job Openings for Research Biologist in San Francisco, CA

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Research Biologist

    0 - 2 years experience
    JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

  2. Up a level:

    Biologist II

    2 - 4 years experience
    JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Research Biologist, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
62247
76327
70015

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
90189
110155
100922
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Research Biologist in San Francisco, CA. The base salary for Research Biologist ranges from $62,247 to $76,327 with the average base salary of $70,015. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $90,189 to $110,155 with the average total cash compensation of $100,922.
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62247
76327

 

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

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