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 by experience level in Los Angeles
SEO Specialist 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 | $70,024 | $5,835 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $88,338 | $7,362 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $101,265 | $8,439 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $114,624 | $9,552 | +64% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $142,202 | $11,850 | +103% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $166,334 | $13,861 | +138% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 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.