TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$194,043/yr
Typical range: $164,876 – $202,738
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Scientist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Data Scientist 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 | $89,155 | $7,430 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $110,132 | $9,178 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $124,117 | $10,343 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $143,697 | $11,975 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $194,043 | $16,170 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $243,340 | $20,278 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $255,665 | $21,305 | +187% |
Current Salary
$194,043
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $93/hr
Next Level Target
$243,340
Principal · 14
+$49Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Data Scientists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $194K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Scientist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $194K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $93/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Scientist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in Los Angeles, CA earns $165K–$203K/yr.