Entertainment, tech, aerospace — sprawling and high-paying. Here's how AI Engineers in Los Angeles get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Los Angeles metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $194,300 | $147,700 | $252,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $241,500 | $183,600 | $314,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $277,700 | $211,100 | $361,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $333,200 | $253,300 | $433,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $377,600 | $287,000 | $490,900 |
Highest-paying metros for AI Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Los Angeles metro economy.
The average AI Engineer salary in the Los Angeles metro is $277,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $211,100 to $361,000 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $458,200 or more.
Yes — Los Angeles pays -20% relative to the California state median for AI Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Los Angeles vs. national: +41%. That puts Los Angeles among the stronger US markets for AI Engineers — though cost of living in Los Angeles is also typically elevated.
In Los Angeles, the median AI Engineer salary of $277,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level AI Engineers in Los Angeles start around $194,300, while seniors (10+ years) reach $333,200 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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