AI/ML Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 compensation data for AI/ML Engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA. Ranges from $109,000 (entry-level) to $322,000 (senior). Median: $190,000.
Median (Mid)
$190,000
$91.35/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $190,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$322,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $109,000 | $136,000 | $161,000 | $65.38/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $155,000 | $190,000 | $224,000 | $91.35/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $213,000 | $265,000 | $322,000 | $127.4/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Los Angeles
A mid-level ai/ml engineer earning $190,000 in Los Angeles has the same buying power as $127,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 150).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About AI/ML Engineer Salaries in Los Angeles
The median ai/ml engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $190,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Los Angeles offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Los Angeles can expect to earn between $109,000 and $161,000 (about $65.38/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $322,000 ($322K annually, or about $154.81/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions: AI/ML Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
What is the average AI/ML Engineer salary in Los Angeles?+
The average AI/ML Engineer salary in Los Angeles is $190,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $136,000 and senior-level pay reaches $265,000.
How much does an entry-level ai/ml engineer make in Los Angeles?+
Entry-level ai/ml engineers in Los Angeles earn between $109,000 and $161,000, with a median of $136,000 per year (about $65.38/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a AI/ML Engineer in Los Angeles?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a AI/ML Engineer in Los Angeles earns roughly $65.38/hour at entry-level, $91.35/hour at mid-level, and $127.4/hour at senior-level.
Is the AI/ML Engineer salary in Los Angeles higher than the US average?+
Yes — AI/ML Engineer salaries in Los Angeles are about 0% higher than the US national median of $190,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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