ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biologist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$172,175/yr
Typical range: $157,173 – $189,773
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biologist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Biologist 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 | $82,899 | $6,908 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,580 | $8,715 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $119,885 | $9,990 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $136,465 | $11,372 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $172,175 | $14,348 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $199,723 | $16,644 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $206,610 | $17,218 | +149% |
Current Salary
$172,175
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$199,723
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biologist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Biologists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $172K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biologist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $172K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $83/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biologist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biologist in Los Angeles, CA earns $157K–$190K/yr.