EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Systems Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$161,751/yr
Typical range: $139,094 – $208,419
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Systems 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 | $119,185 | $9,932 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $144,724 | $12,060 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $161,751 | $13,479 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $183,204 | $15,267 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $234,964 | $19,580 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $275,828 | $22,986 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $286,044 | $23,837 | +140% |
Current Salary
$161,751
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$183,204
Senior · 6
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Systems Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Systems Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $162K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Systems Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $162K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Systems Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $208K–$250K/yr.