TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Software Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$98,699/yr
Typical range: $93,865 – $115,420
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Software 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $98,699 | $8,225 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,923 | $10,160 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,405 | $11,450 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $159,080 | $13,257 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,816 | $17,901 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $269,391 | $22,449 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $283,035 | $23,586 | +187% |
Current Salary
$98,699
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$121,923
Junior · 2
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Software Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $99K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Software Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $99K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Software Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $183K–$224K/yr.