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.
$173,312/yr
Typical range: $164,823 – $202,673
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 | $173,312 | $14,443 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $214,091 | $17,841 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $241,277 | $20,106 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $279,338 | $23,278 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $377,208 | $31,434 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $473,039 | $39,420 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $496,997 | $41,416 | +187% |
Current Salary
$173,312
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$214,091
Junior · 2
+$41Kpotential 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 $173K 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 $173K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $83/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 $321K–$394K/yr.