TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$229,323/yr
Typical range: $194,854 – $239,600
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Data 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 | $105,365 | $8,780 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $130,156 | $10,846 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $146,684 | $12,224 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $169,823 | $14,152 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $229,323 | $19,110 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $287,583 | $23,965 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $302,149 | $25,179 | +187% |
Current Salary
$229,323
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $110/hr
Next Level Target
$287,583
Principal · 14
+$58Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Data Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $229K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $229K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $110/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $195K–$240K/yr.