Engineering · Salary Guide · Los Angeles
Software Engineer 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
$184k
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) | $109k – $167k |
| Mid (3–5 yrs) | $155k – $224k |
| Senior (6–9 yrs) | $207k – $311k |
| Staff / Principal (10+ yrs) | $288k – $483k |
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 software engineer salary in Los Angeles?
The median base salary for a software engineer in Los Angeles is approximately $184k 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 software engineers?
California state income tax up to 13.3%. COL slightly lower than SF but still high.
Which companies hire the most software engineers 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 software engineer salary in the US?
As of 2026, the median base salary for a US software engineer is about $160,000, with a typical range of $135k–$195k for mid-level engineers. Total compensation (including equity and bonus) at public tech companies usually runs 30–60% above base.
How much do software engineers make in their first job?
New grad software engineer salaries in 2026 range from about $95k at smaller companies to $185k+ total compensation at top-tier Big Tech. The median new-grad offer at a brand-name tech company is around $145k base plus $40k–$80k/year in equity.
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