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2026 Salary Data — Los Angeles, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles: $138K Median

Data Scientists in Los Angeles, CA earn between $87K and $236K per year.

That's +28% above the US national median of $108,020 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $138,266 per year — +28% above the US national median of $108,020. Salaries range from $86,758 (entry, 25th percentile) to $235,635 (90th percentile). Data Scientists in Los Angeles earned approximately $22,301 in 2025, representing 520.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$138,266
+520.0% YoY · $11,522/mo
Entry
$108,800
0–2 years
Experienced
$211,200
5+ years
Top 10%
$235,635
Senior/lead
Data Scientist Salary — Los Angeles vs Nearby
Los Angeles
$138K
San Diego
$127K
+8% vs Los Angeles
San Francisco
$167K
-17% vs Los Angeles
Fresno
$103K
+35% vs Los Angeles

Free ATS scan · Los Angeles employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Data Scientists in Los Angeles

Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights, build predictive models, and inform business decisions. They combine statistics, programming, and domain expertise.

Core Responsibilities

  • Build machine learning models
  • Analyze structured/unstructured data
  • Deploy models to production
  • Communicate findings to stakeholders
  • A/B testing and experimentation

Education & Certifications

Typical path: Master's degree preferred (Bachelor's acceptable with strong portfolio)

In-demand certifications

Google Data AnalyticsTensorFlow DeveloperAWS ML SpecialtyMicrosoft DA-100

Los Angeles Job Market

Entertainment capital with growing tech sector ("Silicon Beach") and major aerospace industry.

Population
3979K
Cost of Living
173
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
Median Home
$950K

Top Industries in Los Angeles

EntertainmentAerospaceTechHealthcareTourism

Top Employers Hiring Data Scientists

Major employers active in Los Angeles or hiring remotely from this metro.

Google
Meta
Netflix
Uber
Airbnb
OpenAI
Anthropic
Databricks

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Data Scientist listings.

LLMsPyTorchMLOpsdbtSnowflakeGenAI

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

PythonSQLTensorFlowPyTorchmachine learningstatisticsA/B testingdata visualizationpandasscikit-learn
Career Outlook
+36% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

Data scientist employment is projected to grow 36% through 2034 — one of the fastest-growing occupations. AI/ML adoption across industries is driving unprecedented demand.

Data Scientist Salary Breakdown — Los Angeles

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$86,758$138,266$235,635
Monthly$7,230$11,522$19,636
Weekly$1,668$2,659$4,531
Hourly$42$66$113

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($108,020) adjusted for Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier (1.28×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Data Scientist Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$97,557.181
Per month$8,130
Biweekly paycheck$3,752
Effective tax rate29.4%

Tax Breakdown on $138,266

Gross salary$138,266
Federal income tax−$22,526.84
California state tax−$7,604.63
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$10,577.349
Take-home (net)$97,557.181

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Data Scientist Salary by Experience — Los Angeles

Career-stage progression for Data Scientists in Los Angeles.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$100,096
2–3 yr$108,800
4–6 yr$160,000
7–10 yr$211,200
11–15 yr$249,216
15+ yr$223,418

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for Los Angeles's 1.28× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+520.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$22,301
2026 median:$138,266
Change:+$115,965

Technology sector growth driven by demand for LLMs and PyTorch.

Is This A Good Salary?

Solid above median

Real purchasing power lands comfortably above the national middle-class threshold once cost of living is factored in. Homeownership and meaningful retirement savings are achievable on a single income.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$79,923
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles

Walk-away anchor: $120,231 (offers below this are below market for Los Angeles).

Leverage Points

  • Reference levels.fyi total compensation data for your level (L4/L5/etc.) at comparable companies
  • Quantify recent shipped impact: latency reduced, revenue driven, on-call incidents resolved
  • Hold a competing offer (or credible interview pipeline) before the salary conversation
  • Highlight in-demand skill premiums: LLMs, Kubernetes, Rust, distributed systems

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($25K-$100K is standard at Big Tech)RSU refreshers and accelerated vesting cliffsRemote/hybrid flexibility and home-office stipendAnnual learning budget and conference allowanceSabbatical eligibility after 4-5 years

What To Say

"Based on levels.fyi data and what I'm seeing from comparable offers, total compensation for this level is closer to $X base plus equity. Can we close the gap on base or front-load the RSU grant?"

Anchor on $211K–$236K for experienced roles, citing Los Angeles market data and your specific LLMs/PyTorch expertise.

Data Scientist Salary FAQ — Los Angeles

What is the average Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The average Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles is $138,266 per year as of April 2026 — $11,522/month, $2,659/week, or about $66/hour. Salaries range from $86,758 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $235,635 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier (1.28×).
Is $138,266 a good Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles?
Solid above median. Real purchasing power lands comfortably above the national middle-class threshold once cost of living is factored in. Homeownership and meaningful retirement savings are achievable on a single income. Los Angeles's cost-of-living index is 173 (vs 100 nationally), giving $138,266 a real purchasing power of approximately $79,923 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $138,266 in Los Angeles?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For Los Angeles specifically (median home price $950,000), a $138,266 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Is $138,266 enough for a single person in Los Angeles?
A single adult in Los Angeles typically needs ~$77,850 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $138,266 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $138,266 enough for a couple in Los Angeles?
A couple (one earner) in Los Angeles typically needs ~$124,560 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $138,266 salary as the sole household income is sufficient — enabling moderate housing, savings, and discretionary spending. Two earners at $138,266 each ($276,532 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $138,266 enough for a family of 4 in Los Angeles?
A family of 4 (one earner) in Los Angeles typically needs ~$190,300 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $138,266 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of Los Angeles. Childcare costs in Los Angeles typically run $26K-$48K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Data Scientist in Los Angeles?
On a $138,266 Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA, you take home approximately $97,557.181 per year ($8,130/month, $3,752 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $22,526.84, state $7,604.63, FICA $10,577.349. Effective tax rate: 29.4%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Data Scientists in Los Angeles earn compared to the US average?
Data Scientists in Los Angeles earn approximately 28% more than the US national median for this role ($108,020 nationally vs $138,266 in Los Angeles). However, Los Angeles's cost-of-living index of 173 means real purchasing power is approximately $79,923 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Data Scientist earn in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Data Scientists in Los Angeles typically start at around $108,800 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Data Scientists earn $211,200 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $235,635+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Data Scientist salaries in Los Angeles increase in 2026?
Yes — Data Scientist salaries in Los Angeles grew approximately 520.0% year-over-year, from $22,301 in 2025 to $138,266 in 2026 (+$115,965). This reflects the broader Technology sector's compensation trend, driven by LLMs and PyTorch demand.
What's the job outlook for Data Scientists in Los Angeles?
Data scientist employment is projected to grow 36% through 2034 — one of the fastest-growing occupations. AI/ML adoption across industries is driving unprecedented demand. Los Angeles's top industries include Entertainment, Aerospace, Tech, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 5.1% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Data Scientists in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Data Scientists are: LLMs, PyTorch, MLOps, dbt, Snowflake, GenAI. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in Los Angeles.
Who are the top employers hiring Data Scientists in Los Angeles?
Top employers hiring Data Scientists in or near Los Angeles include: Google, Meta, Netflix, Uber, Airbnb, OpenAI. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles?
Based on levels.fyi data and what I'm seeing from comparable offers, total compensation for this level is closer to $X base plus equity. Can we close the gap on base or front-load the RSU grant? Key leverage points for Technology negotiations: Reference levels.fyi total compensation data for your level (L4/L5/etc.) at comparable companies; Quantify recent shipped impact: latency reduced, revenue driven, on-call incidents resolved; Hold a competing offer (or credible interview pipeline) before the salary conversation. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($25K-$100K is standard at Big Tech), RSU refreshers and accelerated vesting cliffs, Remote/hybrid flexibility and home-office stipend, Annual learning budget and conference allowance.
How can I increase my Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (LLMs, PyTorch, MLOps) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., Google Data Analytics or TensorFlow Developer). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Data Scientist in Los Angeles?
Master's degree preferred (Bachelor's acceptable with strong portfolio) is the typical path. However, Los Angeles's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Technology roles.

Methodology & Sources

Data Scientist salary figures for Los Angeles are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($108,020) by Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.28× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (520.0%) reflects the Technology sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in Los Angeles

Software Engineer →Machine Learning Engineer →Product Manager →Web Developer →DevOps Engineer →Cybersecurity Analyst →

Data Scientist Salary in Other Cities

San Diego, CA$127KSan Francisco, CA$167KSeattle, WA$143KWashington, DC$140KBoston, MA$140KFresno, CA$103KSacramento, CA$117KLong Beach, CA$130K

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