Largest Employers in San Francisco

The municipal government is the city’s largest employer, with over 35,000 employees across various departments, including public safety, transportation, and social services.

San Francisco’s City departments and agencies impact the lives of the City’s nearly million residents and commuters which gives team members the ability to have an impact in one of the most diverse places in the country.

Positions range from entry-level to specialized professional roles such as accountants, forestry inspectors, IT support, legal administrators, and more. They also have created ‘career pathways’ to help employees advance within the city/county in areas like technology, program analysis, and public safety.

Good news: Efforts are being made to increase local residency among employees, with the current rate at 41% living within city limits as of 2025.

Approximate number of employees: 35,000
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 1.3 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 1.9 miles

Image: University of California, San Francisco

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is the only campus in the University of California system entirely dedicated to graduate education in health and biomedical sciences. It is ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States. There is also a nursing school, pharmacy school, and school of dentistry at UCSF.

It is a leading medical and research institution, employing people in healthcare, research, academic, administrative, and support roles. USCF Health is the number one hospital in California and is also ranked as one of the top 10 hospitals in the country by U.S. News.

It’s best known for its collaborative environment and promoting innovation and continuous learning for students and staff.

Working at such as well-known medical institution could do wonders for your resume.

Approximate number of employees: 29,000 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 3.2 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 3.7 miles

Image: Google Maps

San Francisco is both a city and a county, so the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) administers both the school district and the San Francisco County Office of Education. SFUSD is the seventh largest school district in California, educating more than 50,000 students each year.

As you might imagine, with 122 schools, there is a diverse student body, supported by the district’s emphasis on educational equity and community involvement.

SFUSED is also committed to social justice and places access, equity, student achievement, and accountability at the forefront of every child’s education.

Roles exist for teachers K-12, facilities personnel, office staff, technology workers, nutrition service staff, and paraeducators.

If working with or for children sounds like fun, apply with San Francisco Unified School District.

Approximate number of employees: 10,000 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 1.3 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 1.9 miles

Image: Google Maps

Salesforce is one of the largest enterprise software companies. With nearly 10,000 local employees, it is the largest private-sector employer in San Francisco. And it was named as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Salesforce is known for its “Ohana” culture, a strong sense of belonging and interconnectedness among all its stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and the communities they serve. The Ohana concept is tied to Salesforce’s core values, which include trust, customer success, innovation, equality, and sustainability.

There are career opportunities in software development, sales, marketing, and customer support. The company continues to hire, particularly in artificial intelligence sales roles.

If you’re ready to solve customer challenges and be on the cutting-edge of technology, you can get world-class benefits and development resources at Salesforce.

Approximate number of employees: 76,000 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 1.9 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 1.5 miles

Image: Sutter Health

Sutter Health operates several medical centers and clinics in San Francisco, employing thousands of healthcare professionals and support staff. Sutter Health has been named a High Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report and is rated as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals. The company has facilities across California and is headquartered in Sacramento.

Their integrated health system offers a connected care model that delivers treatment when, where, and how people need it.

Sutter is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fosters a supportive environment for employees and patients.

They are looking for people who have devoted their careers to enhancing patient-centered, proven care. Positions are often available in nursing, allied health, administration, and support services across its network of hospitals and clinics.

Approximate number of employees: 57,000 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 1.9 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 2.3 miles

Image: Google Maps

Kaiser Permanente is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.6 million members across nine states. In San Francisco they have a large local workforce that provides healthcare services through numerous hospitals and medical offices.

Kaiser believes that having a workforce with varying backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences makes it a better place to receive health care, a more supportive partner to the community, and a more fulfilling place to work.

At Kaiser, they espouse that “every role has the power to change lives for patients and staff alike.” They add, “When you bring your purpose to work, you help create breakthroughs in health – and open up space for more joyful, connected, extraordinary moments in life.”

Learn more about who they are, and how they are impacting the lives of San Francisco’s patients and employees.

Approximate number of employees: 235,000 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 3.3 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 3.7 miles

Image: Google Maps

Headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo is one of the nation’s largest banks, employing a significant number of people in the city, in various banking and financial services roles.

The consider employees their most valuable resource and their key competitive advantage. They want to be an employer of choice: a company where people matter, teamwork is rewarded, everyone feels respected and empowered to speak up.

All eligible regular and part-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to protect their physical and financial health. Employees may also participate in a stock purchase plan and take advantage of discounts on financial products, home mortgages, and more.

They state, “…we understand that you’re looking for more than just a job – you’re looking for a better life.” If you’re looking for an opportunity that goes beyond just your career, look into Wells Fargo.

Approximate number of employees: 217,000 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 1.5 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 2.0 miles

Image: Google Maps

Visa Inc., a global payments technology company, maintains a major presence in San Francisco, employing thousands in technology and operations roles.

Visa is a world leader in digital payments, enabling transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities. Their reach extends across more than 200 countries and territories.

Their mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. Visa provides merchants with assured payments and larger customer reach. They give consumers secure and convenient ways to pay and be paid.

Visa promotes a collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and community impact. Recognized as a top workplace in 2025, Visa offers careers in technology, finance, marketing, and operations, supporting their massive global network.

Approximate number of employees: 31,600 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 2.4 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 2.1 miles

Image: Google Maps

The Gap is a multinational clothing and accessories retailer is headquartered in San Francisco. They employ a large number of people in corporate, design, and retail roles.

The Gap offers a full range of fashion industry opportunities under one roof. Positions in retail management, design, marketing, and other roles are available across its family of brands which include Old Navy®, Banana Republic®, Athleta®, and Gap®.

They say creativity and belonging are imperative to their work and that they’re, “…not just making clothes, they’re making a difference in the world.” One example is its P.A.C.E. program, which teaches life and work skills to women who work in the garment factories where their products are made.

They emphasize talent development and inclusivity, offering programs to support employee growth and leadership skills.

Crazy about fashion? Working for Gap may be the perfect job for you.

Approximate number of employees: 82,000 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 1.9 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 1.5 miles

Image: Levi Strauss & Co.

Also headquartered in San Francisco, Levi Strauss & Co. is a global apparel company with a significant local workforce in corporate and design roles. Today they are one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear.

They design and market jeans, casual wear, and related accessories for men, women, and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Beyond Yoga® and Levi Strauss Signature™ brands.

Its products are sold in approximately 120 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites. Levi Strauss has a global footprint of some 3,400 retail stores and shop-in-shops.

They are proud of their welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and encourage employee engagement and community involvement. Roles in design, marketing, retail, and corporate operations are available, all with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

Want to wear your Levi’s to work? Bet that’s possible at Levi Strauss & Co.

Approximate number of employees: 18,700 employees
Approximate distance from Metro At Showplace Square: 3.1 miles
Approximate distance from Bluxome Place: 2.7 miles