TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Machine Learning Engineer Salary
in Los Angeles, CA

Build and deploy machine learning models and AI systems at production scale. Median salary in Los Angeles: $227K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$227K
per year
Take-home: $139K

Salary range in Los Angeles

Entry level (25th)$169,000
Median (50th)$227,000
Senior (75th)$290,000
Top earner (90th)$371,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Los Angeles, California.

Key facts for Los Angeles

Median salary
$227K
annual
Take-home pay
$139K
after fed/state tax
COL index
163
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,600
per month
YoY growth
+8.4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Los Angeles Machine Learning Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $300K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Los Angeles

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Machine Learning Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$160K$200K$241K$281K$321K201920212023202520272029
2026
$243K
projected
2027
$261K
projected
2028
$280K
projected
2029
$300K
projected
2030
$321K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$243,000+$16,000
2028 projected$261,000+$34,000
2029 projected$280,000+$53,000
2030 projected$300,000+$73,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $227,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Los Angeles–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles

Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $169,000 and $227,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $227,000 to $290,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $290,000 to $371,000 or more.

Cost of living in Los Angeles for Machine Learning Engineers

Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 163 compared to the US national average of 100. Los Angeles's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Machine Learning Engineer

Master's or PhD in CS, Mathematics, or related. This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Los Angeles-based professionals.

Machine Learning Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Los Angeles (current)$227K163
San Diego$218K148
San Jose$265K210
San Francisco$277K224
Fresno$160K102
Sacramento$198K128