TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$343,693/yr
Typical range: $292,033 – $359,095
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Autonomous Systems 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 | $157,913 | $13,159 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $195,069 | $16,256 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $219,840 | $18,320 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $254,519 | $21,210 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $343,693 | $28,641 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $431,010 | $35,918 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $452,839 | $37,737 | +187% |
Current Salary
$343,693
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $165/hr
Next Level Target
$431,010
Principal · 14
+$87Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $344K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $344K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $165/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $292K–$359K/yr.