TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$258,608/yr
Typical range: $219,737 – $270,197
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Embedded Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Embedded Systems 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 | $118,820 | $9,902 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $146,777 | $12,231 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $165,416 | $13,785 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $191,510 | $15,959 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $258,608 | $21,551 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $324,308 | $27,026 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $340,733 | $28,394 | +187% |
Current Salary
$258,608
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$324,308
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $259K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $259K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Embedded Systems Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Embedded Systems Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $220K–$270K/yr.