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.
$197,556/yr
Typical range: $167,862 – $206,409
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 | $90,769 | $7,564 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,127 | $9,344 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,365 | $10,530 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $146,298 | $12,192 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $197,556 | $16,463 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $247,746 | $20,646 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $260,294 | $21,691 | +187% |
Current Salary
$197,556
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $95/hr
Next Level Target
$247,746
Principal · 14
+$50Kpotential 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 $198K 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 $198K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $95/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 $168K–$206K/yr.