ML Research Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 compensation data for ML Research Engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA. Ranges from $150,000 (entry-level) to $402,000 (senior). Median: $236,000.
Median (Mid)
$236,000
$113.46/hr
vs National
-4%
US: $247,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$402,000
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) | $150,000 | $178,000 | $207,000 | $85.58/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $195,000 | $236,000 | $276,000 | $113.46/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $253,000 | $328,000 | $402,000 | $157.69/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Los Angeles
A mid-level ml research engineer earning $236,000 in Los Angeles has the same buying power as $157,000 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 ML Research Engineer Salaries in Los Angeles
The median ml research engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $236,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% below 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 ml research engineers in Los Angeles can expect to earn between $150,000 and $207,000 (about $85.58/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $402,000 ($402K annually, or about $193.27/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: ML Research Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
What is the average ML Research Engineer salary in Los Angeles?+
The average ML Research Engineer salary in Los Angeles is $236,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $178,000 and senior-level pay reaches $328,000.
How much does an entry-level ml research engineer make in Los Angeles?+
Entry-level ml research engineers in Los Angeles earn between $150,000 and $207,000, with a median of $178,000 per year (about $85.58/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a ML Research Engineer in Los Angeles?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a ML Research Engineer in Los Angeles earns roughly $85.58/hour at entry-level, $113.46/hour at mid-level, and $157.69/hour at senior-level.
Is the ML Research Engineer salary in Los Angeles higher than the US average?+
ML Research Engineer salaries in Los Angeles are about 4% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
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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