TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$346,737/yr
Typical range: $294,620 – $362,276
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Machine Learning 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 | $159,312 | $13,276 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $196,797 | $16,400 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $221,787 | $18,482 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $256,773 | $21,398 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $346,737 | $28,895 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $434,827 | $36,236 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $456,850 | $38,071 | +187% |
Current Salary
$346,737
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $167/hr
Next Level Target
$434,827
Principal · 14
+$88Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $347K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $347K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $167/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $295K–$362K/yr.