Entertainment, tech, aerospace — sprawling and high-paying. Here's how Machine Learning 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) | $175,300 | $133,200 | $227,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $217,900 | $165,600 | $283,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $250,500 | $190,400 | $325,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $300,600 | $228,400 | $390,700 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $340,600 | $258,900 | $442,800 |
Highest-paying metros for Machine Learning Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Los Angeles metro economy.
The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in the Los Angeles metro is $250,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $190,400 to $325,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $413,300 or more.
Yes — Los Angeles pays -16% relative to the California state median for Machine Learning 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: +39%. That puts Los Angeles among the stronger US markets for Machine Learning Engineers — though cost of living in Los Angeles is also typically elevated.
In Los Angeles, the median Machine Learning Engineer salary of $250,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles start around $175,300, while seniors (10+ years) reach $300,600 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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