EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$234,964/yr
Typical range: $208,419 – $250,122
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $161,751 | $13,479 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $183,204 | $15,267 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$234,964
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $113/hr
Next Level Target
$275,828
Principal · 14
+$41Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $235K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $235K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $113/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.