TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$214,816/yr
Typical range: $182,527 – $224,443
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$214,816
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$269,391
Principal · 14
+$55Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $215K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $215K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $183K–$224K/yr.