Salary Levels by Experience
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Est. Annual Net |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Quant | $157,000–$200,000 | ~$120,036 |
| Quant Analyst II | $194,000–$279,000 | ~$155,617 |
| Senior Quant | $272,000–$367,000 | ~$200,768 |
| Lead Quant / Quant Researcher | $356,000–$594,000 | ~$281,781 |
Tax Breakdown at $265,000 (Bi-Weekly)
| Component | Per Paycheck | Annual | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $10,192.31 | $265,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$2,194.73 | −$57,063 | 21.5% |
| CA State Income Tax | −$804.42 | −$20,915 | 7.9% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$590.23 | −$15,346 | 5.8% |
| Net Take-Home | $6,603 | ~$171,677 | 64.8% |
What Drives Quantitative Analyst Pay in San Francisco
Quantitative analysts — known as 'quants' — build mathematical models for pricing, trading, and risk management at hedge funds, investment banks, and proprietary trading firms across Manhattan. NYC is the undisputed global center for quant finance, offering compensation packages that routinely outpace any other city.
Demand for quants is fueled by the concentration of hedge funds in Midtown and the Financial District, including firms like Two Sigma, D.E. Shaw, Citadel, and Renaissance Technologies. A PhD in mathematics, physics, or computer science is nearly a prerequisite for top-tier roles. Total compensation frequently exceeds base salary by 50–150% through bonuses tied to fund performance.
- PhD vs. master's degree and field of study
- Buy-side (hedge fund) vs. sell-side (investment bank)
- Specialty: pricing, systematic trading, or risk
- Fund performance and bonus structure
Top San Francisco Employers
Major employers hiring quantitative analysts in San Francisco include: Wells Fargo HQ, Charles Schwab, First Republic, Visa.
Tax note: At a $245,000 base salary, NYC residents will owe combined taxes exceeding 45% on marginal income, meaning a significant portion of any bonus is taxed at the highest rates — making pre-tax retirement contributions especially valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quantitative analyst earning $265,000 in San Francisco takes home approximately $171,677 per year, or $6,603 per bi-weekly paycheck, after all taxes. The effective tax rate is 35.2%.
San Francisco quantitative analyst salaries range from $157,000–$200,000 at entry level to $356,000–$594,000 for senior professionals. The median mid-career salary is approximately $265,000.
Most quant roles at top San Francisco hedge funds and banks require at minimum a master's degree in mathematics, statistics, financial engineering, or computer science — and a PhD is strongly preferred for research-focused positions. Practical coding skills in Python, C++, and R are equally important alongside academic credentials.
Calculate Your San Francisco Take-Home
Enter your exact salary to see your precise after-tax paycheck.
Open San Francisco Calculator →