TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Software Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$185,302/yr
Typical range: $155,654 – $246,154
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Software Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $133,105 | $11,092 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $164,423 | $13,702 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $185,302 | $15,442 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $214,533 | $17,878 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $289,698 | $24,142 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $363,297 | $30,275 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $381,697 | $31,808 | +187% |
Current Salary
$185,302
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $89/hr
Next Level Target
$214,533
Senior · 6
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Software Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $185K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Software Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $185K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $89/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Software Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $246K–$303K/yr.