Data Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California
The median data engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $201,250 per year, which is 61.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the California state average.
Data Engineer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)
Los Angeles offers a median data engineer salary of $201,250, which is $10,000 above the California state average of $191,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.
However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $201,250 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,842. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for data engineers in Los Angeles spans from $125,580 at the 10th percentile to $305,900 at the 90th percentile — a $180,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $128,800, while senior data engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $289,800. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Data Engineer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience
In Los Angeles, an entry-level data engineer earns around $128,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $289,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA
| Percentile | Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $125,580 |
| 25th Percentile | $161,000 |
| Median (50th) | $201,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $254,380 |
| 90th Percentile | $305,900 |
Data Engineer Salary in Other California Cities
How to Become a Data Engineer in Los Angeles
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles
Browse open data engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA: