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.
$248,158/yr
Typical range: $210,857 – $259,278
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 | $114,018 | $9,502 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $140,846 | $11,737 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $158,731 | $13,228 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $183,771 | $15,314 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $248,158 | $20,680 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $311,203 | $25,934 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $326,964 | $27,247 | +187% |
Current Salary
$248,158
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $119/hr
Next Level Target
$311,203
Principal · 14
+$63Kpotential 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 $248K 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 $248K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $119/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 $211K–$259K/yr.