While innovative companies like Apple and Google get press in the Bay, tourism is the primary contributor to San Francisco’s economy, mainly due to the city’s favored place in pop culture. Pier 39 near the Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular tourist spots in the nation. In addition, the financial industry is also active thanks to big players like the Wells Fargo corporate headquarters and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
The San Francisco Metro Area includes people in San Francisco, Calif.; Oakland, Calif.; Fremont, Calif.; Hayward, Calif.; San Mateo, Calif.; Redwood City, Calif.; and the surrounding areas.
The PayScale Index tracks quarterly changes in total cash compensation for full-time, private industry employees in the United States. In addition to a national index, it includes separate indices for specific industries, metropolitan areas, job categories, and company sizes. The PayScale Index uses 2006 average total cash compensation as a baseline.