EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$203,634/yr
Typical range: $180,628 – $216,771
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechanical Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Mechanical 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 | $103,293 | $8,608 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,427 | $10,452 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,183 | $11,682 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,776 | $13,231 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,634 | $16,970 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $239,049 | $19,921 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $247,902 | $20,659 | +140% |
Current Salary
$203,634
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$239,049
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Mechanical Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $204K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $204K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Mechanical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechanical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $181K–$217K/yr.