How does Los Angeles compare to other US cities for Software Engineer salaries?

Los Angeles has a salary multiplier of 1.15x compared to the US average. Cost of living should also be considered when comparing locations.

Software Engineer Salary in Los Angeles

What Software Engineers earn in Los Angeles, plus take-home pay breakdown and comparison to other US cities.

Los Angeles Salary Range$137k - $185k+15% vs US average

Monthly Take-Home$7,401 - $9,726After federal, California state tax (6% 401k)

Find Software Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles Calculate Take-Home Pay

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 145% compared to the US average. This means everyday expenses are typically 45% higher than average, which is reflected in the higher salaries.

ComparisonLos AngelesUS Average

Salary Multiplier115%100%

Cost of Living145%100%

Purchasing Power79%100%

Tax Note: Progressive brackets 1-13.3% (highest in US)

Salary by Experience in Los Angeles

How Software Engineer salaries progress with experience in Los Angeles:

Experience LevelSalary RangeMonthly Net

Junior (1-2 years)$69k - $196k$4,083 - $10,278

Mid-Level (3-5 years)$83k - $230k$4,760 - $12,046

Senior (5-8 years)$97k - $276k$5,437 - $14,145

Lead / Principal (8+ years)$110k - $322k$6,113 - $16,151

Staff / Principal$124k - $368k$6,790 - $18,142

Compare Software Engineer Salaries by City

How Los Angeles compares to other US cities for Software Engineer roles:

San Francisco$161k - $217k+35% vs avg New York City$155k - $209k+30% vs avg Seattle$149k - $201k+25% vs avg Boston$143k - $193k+20% vs avg Washington DC$137k - $185k+15% vs avg Austin$131k - $177k+10% vs avg

Related Roles in Los Angeles

Data Analyst$63k - $138k Product Manager$104k - $230k UX Designer$81k - $184k Product Designer$92k - $207k

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Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse Software Engineer vacancies in Los Angeles

US Salary Overview

See Software Engineer salaries across all US locations

Take-Home Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles?

The average Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles is $137k - $185k, which is 15% above the US national average.

Is Los Angeles a good place to work as a Software Engineer?

Los Angeles offers competitive salaries for Software Engineer roles. With a purchasing power index of 79%, while salaries may be higher, the elevated cost of living should be considered.

What is the take-home pay for a Software Engineer in Los Angeles?

Based on a salary of $137k - $185k, the estimated monthly take-home pay is $7,401 - $9,726 after federal, california state tax (6% 401k).

Salary data is based on industry research and job posting analysis. Actual salaries may vary. Use our take-home pay calculator for detailed breakdowns.