TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Los Angeles

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$159,312/yr

Typical range: $151,509 $186,301

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$159,312$13,276
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$196,797$16,400+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$221,787$18,482+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$256,773$21,398+61%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$346,737$28,895+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$434,827$36,236+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$456,850$38,071+187%
Current Salary
$159,312
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$196,797
Junior · 2
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Machine Learning Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?

Entry Level Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $159K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on $159K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $295K–$362K/yr.