EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$174,560/yr
Typical range: $154,839 – $185,822
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Electrical Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Electrical 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 | $88,545 | $7,379 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,519 | $8,960 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,168 | $10,014 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $136,106 | $11,342 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $174,560 | $14,547 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $204,919 | $17,077 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $212,508 | $17,709 | +140% |
Current Salary
$174,560
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $84/hr
Next Level Target
$204,919
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Electrical Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $175K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Electrical Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $175K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $84/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Electrical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Electrical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $155K–$186K/yr.