TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$289,698/yr
Typical range: $246,154 – $302,680
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $185,302 | $15,442 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $214,533 | $17,878 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$289,698
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $139/hr
Next Level Target
$363,297
Principal · 14
+$74Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $290K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $290K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $139/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.