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.
$227,517/yr
Typical range: $193,320 – $237,713
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 | $104,535 | $8,711 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $129,132 | $10,761 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,529 | $12,127 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $168,486 | $14,041 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $227,517 | $18,960 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $285,319 | $23,777 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $299,770 | $24,981 | +187% |
Current Salary
$227,517
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$285,319
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 $228K 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 $228K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/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 $193K–$238K/yr.