GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Policy Analyst Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$136,264/yr
Typical range: $129,940 – $146,741
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Policy Analyst salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Policy Analyst 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 | $88,571 | $7,381 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,927 | $8,327 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,011 | $9,084 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,095 | $9,841 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $136,264 | $11,355 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $152,615 | $12,718 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $156,703 | $13,059 | +77% |
Current Salary
$136,264
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$152,615
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Policy Analyst salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Policy Analysts in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $136K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Policy Analyst make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $136K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Policy Analyst in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in Los Angeles, CA earns $130K–$147K/yr.