Since its beginnings as a gold rush town, San Francisco has been a dynamic, busy city where people go to try and make their mark. Famous for its tech sector, San Francisco is also a manufacturing town, a shipping and logistics hub, a financial centre, and a key destination for creatives and artists. Whatever your industry is, you're likely to find it represented in San Francisco, but you'll likely be competing with some very qualified candidates. We've put together a list of key things to bear in mind when starting your job search in The Golden City.
San Francisco's labor market
San Francisco began as a boomtown, sprouting up to support the gold rush, and established itself as a key West Coast port for trade and shipping. The city is now a center of global trade but also a major financial hub, as well as being famous for its technology and start-up industries.
Unemployment in SF is currently around 3.5% (lower than the national average of 4.3%), and the city continues to add new jobs, especially in professional services, healthcare, clean energy, and biotech. Tourism and hospitality have almost fully recovered in the past couple of years, with hotels now close to pre-pandemic occupancy levels. Remote and hybrid work remain common, and although office spaces are slower to fill than before, San Francisco continues to be one of the world's top startup cities, with thousands of small and growing businesses.
Popular industries in San Francisco
Technology
San Francisco is famous for its groundbreaking tech industries. This sector welcomes software engineers specializing in imaging, front-end development, and machine learning. Home to major tech giants like Apple Inc., eBay, Google, and Intel, this industry offers diverse roles, such as software and web developers, network architects, system and cybersecurity analysts, and data administrators. AI engineering, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity are current areas of demand, with median salaries for experienced engineers now averaging around $145,000 per year.
Business, finance, and shipping
The finance and shipping sector in San Francisco offers opportunities in logistics, as well as roles for economists and quantitative revenue analysts. This industry's strength is a testament to the city's economic resilience and long history as a major trading and shipping hub. Port of San Francisco cargo volumes are growing, and fintech operators such as Stripe and Square continue to hire steadily.
Design and creative Industries
San Francisco's design scene is ideal for busy, creative minds. From crafting captivating user experiences to shaping aesthetically pleasing interfaces, this industry is full of young creatives hustling to get ahead. Gaming, streaming, and AR/VR design are major players, and studios such as Pixar and Lucasfilm have increased local hiring following a series of successful releases
Biotech, cleantech, and sciences
The biotech industry in San Francisco is known for its substantial contribution to life sciences. Cleantech and environmental sectors are also well established, often overlapping with academic research and development.
Tourism
Tourism is pivotal in San Francisco's economy, creating thousands of jobs annually. Things have well and truly bounced back in recent years, and jobs now surpass prepandemic levels.
Other thriving industries include business strategy, healthcare, biochemistry, and education.
Requirements for working in San Francisco
To receive a work visa to the United States, you need employer sponsorship before applying. This means having a valid job offer from a company in San Francisco willing to sponsor your visa, a process that can take up to six months and is often costly.
As of 2025, employer sponsorship (H-1B, O-1, or L-1 visa) remains necessary before arrival unless you qualify under another U.S. work visa category. Hybrid and remote work options are common, and many employers prefer candidates who can work flexibly or relocate as needed.
You can start your job search by targeting companies in your home country with offices in San Francisco or by applying directly to local employers. Networking, internships, and study pathways such as the F-1 visa with Optional Practical Training (OPT) can also open doors.
Job hunting in San Francisco
San Francisco offers both online and in-person job search opportunities. Use major online platforms like CareerBuilder, Monster, and Indeed, as well as LinkedIn and expat-specific job forums. Recruitment agencies can be effective for experienced professionals, and career fairs are an excellent way to meet employers face-to-face.
If you're overseas and planning to move to San Francisco, focus on online networking and company research before you arrive. Use LinkedIn to connect with local employers and expat communities, and check sites like AngelList and Built In SF for roles open to international candidates. Many employers will expect you to already understand visa options such as H-1B or OPT, so it helps to mention your eligibility clearly when applying.
The labor code in San Francisco
In 2025, the minimum wage in San Francisco was fixed at $18.87 for every employee who works for at least two hours weekly. Each employee, whether they are occupying a temporary or part-time position, is entitled to sick leave in San Francisco (one hour for every 30 hours worked). Breastfeeding mothers are allowed to leave the office earlier or take breaks.
There is a very low unemployment rate in San Francisco (3.5%), but very high competition at the same time, with lots of qualified professionals going for the same job. Of course, as an expat, you must have the right to work in the USA to participate in the job market in San Francisco.
According to the labor code in San Francisco, employers are not allowed to ask expats about their previous salary or to make their current salaries known to the public. Both locals and expats are entitled to the same benefits and rights within an organization.
Work culture in San Francisco
The thought of working in the Bay Area of San Francisco looks attractive to foreign professionals from around the world. The city has a lot to offer to those looking for better career prospects and quality of life, but what about the local work environment…
The work culture in San Francisco is influenced by its reputation for innovation, diversity, and progressive values. It fosters creativity, encourages work–life balance, and embraces technological advancements. Professional connections and networking are highly regarded, with many opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. Sustainability and social responsibility are core values for many San Francisco-based companies, reflecting the city's commitment to environmental consciousness and community engagement. City employees also benefit from new “right to disconnect” guidelines, which promote healthy boundaries between work and personal time.
Another thing that is unique to the local work environment is the highly qualified workforce in San Francisco. With prestigious universities supplying qualified graduates, there's no shortage of talent, so be prepared to compete for positions with the cream of the crop and work alongside talented, ambitious colleagues.
How to dress for work in San Francisco
The professional dress code in San Francisco is usually determined by the type of position you occupy. Executive or managerial positions tend to require formal attire, while tech and creative roles often allow a more casual style. With the rise of hybrid work, remote interviews, and work-from-home days, business casual and neat, comfortable attire have become more common, especially in tech and creative roles. Always check company expectations before your first day to avoid any embarrassment, as being either overdressed or underdressed can make you feel self-conscious.
Useful links:
Bureau of Labor Statistics – San Francisco Summary
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