SalariesByCity
BLS SOC 15-2041 · California · Updated 2026

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, CA

Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $146,000/year, ranging from $112,420 (25th percentile) to $233,600 (90th percentile). After California state taxes (9.3%) and cost-of-living adjustments (COL index 173), this is equivalent to $84,393 in purchasing power vs the US average.

Median Annual
$146,000
BLS median
Entry Level (P25)
$112,420
25th percentile
Senior (P75)
$186,880
75th percentile
Top Earners (P90)
$233,600
90th percentile

1Salary Distribution in Los Angeles, CA

P25
P75
P25
$112,420
Median
$146,000
P75
$186,880
P90
$233,600

2Estimated Take-Home & Purchasing Power

Gross Median Salary
$146,000
Before taxes
Est. Take-Home (After Tax)
$122,358
After 9.3% state + ~7.6% FICA
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$70,727
vs US average (COL index: 173)

* Estimates only. Does not include federal income tax, 401k, health insurance, or local taxes. Use the Salary Calculator for a detailed breakdown.

3

How Does Los Angeles, CA Compare?

Nearby and similar metro areas
CityMedianCOL IndexCOL-Adjusted
Los Angeles, CA (current)$146,000173$84,393
San Francisco, CA$170,000186$91,398
San Diego, CA$141,000152$92,763
New York, NY$163,000187$87,166
Seattle, WA$165,000162$101,852
Boston, MA$150,000162$92,593

4Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Machine Learning Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $146,000 per year as of 2026 BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $112,420 and the 90th percentile is $233,600.

Is Los Angeles, CA a good place to work as a Machine Learning Engineer?

Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 173 (US average = 100). After adjusting for cost of living, a $146,000 Machine Learning Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to $84,393 in purchasing power compared to the US average.

What is the cost of living adjustment for Los Angeles, CA?

Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 173, meaning it is 73% more expensive than the US average. The state income tax rate in California is approximately 9.3%.

What is the Machine Learning Engineer salary range in Los Angeles, CA?

In Los Angeles, CA, Machine Learning Engineers earn between $112,420 (25th percentile) and $233,600 (90th percentile), with a median of $146,000 per year.

How many Machine Learning Engineer jobs are there in Los Angeles, CA?

According to BLS OEWS data, there are approximately 38,400 Machine Learning Engineer positions in the Los Angeles, CA metropolitan area.

What do Machine Learning Engineers earn in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on BLS OEWS 2026 data, Machine Learning Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn a median annual wage of $146,000. The middle 50% earn between $112,420 and $186,880. The top 10% earn more than $233,600. There are approximately 38,400 Machine Learning Engineers employed in the Los Angeles, CA metro area, with annual job growth estimated at 3.6%.

Is Los Angeles, CA a good place for a Machine Learning Engineer?

Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 173 (US average = 100), making it 73% more expensive than the national average. After adjusting for cost of living, a Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earning $146,000has the equivalent purchasing power of $84,393 relative to the US median. California has a state income tax rate of approximately 9.3%.

What is the cost of living adjustment for Los Angeles, CA?

Los Angeles, CA's cost of living index is 173, based on composite data including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. This means that $146,000 in Los Angeles, CAhas the same purchasing power as $84,393 in a city at exactly the US average cost of living. Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between metros.

Compare Los Angeles, CA with Another City

See a detailed side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, and purchasing power.

Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program. All figures are approximate annual estimates based on the most recent available BLS data. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education, employer size, and specific role. Cost-of-living data represents composite indices from publicly available metropolitan area data.