Performance Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $159,500 to $493,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $264,625, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$159,500 – $210,250
Median: $184,875 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$217,500 – $311,750
Median: $264,625 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$326,250 – $493,000
Median: $409,625 · per year
Estimate your earning potential based on role, location, and experience.
Estimated Performance Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA
Estimated†Median: $337,125 per year (adjusted for San Francisco cost of living)
Junior
$184,875
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$264,625
3-5 yrs
Senior
$409,625
6+ yrs
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $264,625 | very high |
| New York, NY | $264,625 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $264,625 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $219,000 | high |
| Houston, TX | $182,500 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $182,500 | moderate |