TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead AI Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$299,579/yr
Typical range: $254,549 – $313,004
P90 · 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 | $137,644 | $11,470 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $170,031 | $14,169 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $191,622 | $15,969 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $221,850 | $18,488 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $299,579 | $24,965 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $375,688 | $31,307 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $394,715 | $32,893 | +187% |
Current Salary
$299,579
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $144/hr
Next Level Target
$375,688
Principal · 14
+$76Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead AI Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead AI Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $300K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead AI Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $300K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $144/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $255K–$313K/yr.