MarketingOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead SEO Specialist Salary in Los Angeles

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$142,202/yr

Typical range: $137,312 $170,910

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

SEO Specialist Salary Progression in Los Angeles

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

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$70,024$5,835
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$88,338$7,362+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$101,265$8,439+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$114,624$9,552+64%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$142,202$11,850+103%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$166,334$13,861+138%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$172,366$14,364+146%
Current Salary
$142,202
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $68/hr
Next Level Target
$166,334
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead SEO Specialist salary in Los Angeles, CA?

Staff / Lead SEO Specialists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $142K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a staff / lead SEO Specialist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on $142K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $68/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from staff / lead to senior SEO Specialist in Los Angeles, CA?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior SEO Specialist in Los Angeles, CA earns $137K–$171K/yr.