TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level AI Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$92,252/yr
Typical range: $87,733 – $107,880
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
AI Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $92,252 | $7,688 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $113,958 | $9,497 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $128,429 | $10,702 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $148,688 | $12,391 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $200,783 | $16,732 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $251,792 | $20,983 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $264,545 | $22,045 | +187% |
Current Salary
$92,252
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $44/hr
Next Level Target
$113,958
Junior · 2
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level AI Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level AI Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $92K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level AI Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $92K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $44/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior AI Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $171K–$210K/yr.