FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Tax Specialist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$215,128/yr
Typical range: $181,063 – $239,494
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Tax Specialist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Tax 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 | $82,333 | $6,861 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $106,236 | $8,853 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $123,942 | $10,329 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $149,262 | $12,439 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $215,128 | $17,927 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $292,680 | $24,390 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $312,068 | $26,006 | +279% |
Current Salary
$215,128
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$292,680
Principal · 14
+$78Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Tax Specialist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Tax Specialists 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 Tax Specialist 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 Tax Specialist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Tax Specialist in Los Angeles, CA earns $181K–$239K/yr.