Software Engineer Salary in Los Angeles (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does software engineer in Los Angeles make?
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In 2026, Software Engineers in Los Angeles earn an average salary of $147,722, with compensation ranging from $85,382 to $222,681 annually. This reflects the city's strong demand for tech talent.
Key Facts
- Average Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles is $147,722.
- Cost of living is 49.4% above the national average.
- Top employers include Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
- Skills in Kubernetes and Swift are highly valued.
- Entry-level positions start around $69,400 annually.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Approximately $69,400 per year.
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): Around $87,600 annually.
- Senior-Level (5-10 years): About $116,000 per year.
- Lead-Level (10+ years): Up to $160,000 annually.
How Los Angeles Compares
Los Angeles ranks as the 8th most expensive city in the U.S., with a cost of living 49.4% above the national average. While salaries are competitive, the higher living expenses should be considered when evaluating job offers.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in technologies like Kubernetes, Swift, DynamoDB, and Android development can significantly enhance earning potential. Full Stack Development expertise is also highly valued in the Los Angeles tech market.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top tech companies in Los Angeles offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements. The city's diverse and innovative tech scene provides ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential in Los Angeles, focus on developing in-demand skills like Kubernetes and Swift. Networking within the local tech community can also open doors to opportunities at top companies.
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Software Engineer Insights — Los Angeles
Software Engineer salaries in Los Angeles range from $85,382 to $222,681, a 93% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $147,722 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Los Angeles's cost of living index of 33/100 means relatively affordable living costs compared to major tech centers. A $147,722 median gives software engineer professionals here strong purchasing power that stretches further than the same salary in cities like San Francisco or Zurich.
The hiring landscape for software engineer in Los Angeles is anchored by employers like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for software engineer in Los Angeles centers around expertise in Kubernetes, Swift, DynamoDB, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $222,681 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Full Stack Developer or Data Engineer.
Related Roles in Los Angeles
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $116,240 - $251,737 | $171,061 |
| Software Engineer | New York | $89,328 - $232,974 | $159,554 |
| Software Engineer | Austin | $76,317 - $199,040 | $127,139 |
| Software Engineer | Chicago | $79,654 - $207,744 | $107,673 |
| Software Engineer | Seattle | $106,363 - $209,212 | $149,172 |
| Software Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in Los Angeles?
The average salary is approximately $147,722 per year.
How does the cost of living in Los Angeles affect Software Engineer salaries?
With a cost of living 49.4% above the national average, higher salaries help offset living expenses.
Which companies are top employers for Software Engineers in Los Angeles?
Leading employers include Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Snap Inc.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for software engineer in Los Angeles is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)