Data · Salary Guide · Los Angeles
Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles
LA's tech market is concentrated around three sub-sectors: entertainment-tech (Snap, Disney, Netflix), aerospace/defense (SpaceX, Northrop, Lockheed), and a spread of Big Tech satellite offices. Base salaries typically land 10–15% below SF with equivalent California tax burden, so total compensation is meaningfully lower than SF for the same role. The culture trade-off is real: LA offers lifestyle and weather advantages the Bay Area doesn't. Cost of living is 50% above the national average — lower than SF and NYC but higher than most US markets. 1BR averages $2,800/month.
Median base in Los Angeles
$196k
Cost of living index
150
US = 100
Market multiplier
1.15x
vs US national
Salary by experience level in Los Angeles
| Experience level | Base salary (US national) |
|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 yrs) | $115k – $173k |
| Mid (3–5 yrs) | $155k – $230k |
| Senior (6–9 yrs) | $207k – $299k |
| Staff / Principal (10+ yrs) | $276k – $460k |
Adjusted from national ranges using the Los Angeles market multiplier (1.15x).
Tax and take-home considerations
California state income tax up to 13.3%. COL slightly lower than SF but still high.
Dominant employers in Los Angeles
Strong media/entertainment tech market. Base salaries below SF but above most US markets.
FAQ
What is the average data scientist salary in Los Angeles?
The median base salary for a data scientist in Los Angeles is approximately $196k in 2026. LA's tech market is concentrated around three sub-sectors: entertainment-tech (Snap, Disney, Netflix), aerospace/defense (SpaceX, Northrop, Lockheed), and a spread of Big Tech satellite offices.
Does Los Angeles have state income tax for data scientists?
California state income tax up to 13.3%. COL slightly lower than SF but still high.
Which companies hire the most data scientists in Los Angeles?
The dominant employers in Los Angeles are Google LA, Snap, Disney Streaming, Netflix, SpaceX. Strong media/entertainment tech market. Base salaries below SF but above most US markets.
What is the average data scientist salary in the US?
As of 2026, the median US data scientist total compensation is about $170,000, with mid-level DS typically earning $135k–$200k. At Big Tech, total comp for senior and staff data scientists usually falls between $300k and $600k once equity is included.
Do data scientists make more than data analysts?
Yes, by a significant margin. Data scientists typically earn 40–80% more than data analysts at the same experience level because the role requires machine learning, production deployment, and experimentation skills. A mid-level DS commonly out-earns a senior DA by $40k–$70k.
Related Data Scientist Resources
Negotiate your Los Angeles offer with data
Your resume should signal the level your target compensation reflects. Rolevanta tailors each application to the exact JD and market.
Build Your Resume Free