TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior AI Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$279,338/yr
Typical range: $320,510 – $394,111
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$279,338
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $134/hr
Next Level Target
$377,208
Staff · 10
+$98Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior AI Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Senior AI Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $279K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior AI Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $279K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $134/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior AI Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $321K–$394K/yr.