Los Angeles, California Compensation Guide

Software Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California

Comprehensive 2026 compensation analysis for Software Engineers in Los Angeles. Explore local wage distributions, net take-home pay, state tax implications, and rental affordability.

Los Angeles Median Pay
$161,000
$13,417/month gross
vs. National Benchmark
+22%
National avg: $132,000
Net Monthly Take-Home
$9,620
After federal & state taxes
Rent-to-Income Ratio
27%
1-bed rent: $2,550/mo
State Income Tax: 9.3% estimated state & local tax burden
Explore all Los Angeles salaries

Software Engineer Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles

Data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS and adjusted for Los Angeles, California metro market factors.

10th Percentile
$100,000
Entry level
25th Percentile
$128,000
Early career
50th (Median)
$161,000
Metro benchmark
75th Percentile
$205,000
Senior level
90th Percentile
$250,000
Staff / Lead

Estimated Paycheck & Tax Withholdings

Annual Gross Salary:$161,000
Estimated Federal Income Tax:-$30,590
Estimated State/Local Tax (9.3%):-$14,973
Annual Net Take-Home:$115,437
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Net Monthly Paycheck:$9,620
Median 1-Bed Rent:-$2,550
Discretionary Income:~$7,070/mo

Compare Software Engineer in Los Angeles vs. Other Cities

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Los Angeles vs. San FranciscoLos Angeles vs. San Jose (Silicon Valley)Los Angeles vs. SeattleLos Angeles vs. San DiegoLos Angeles vs. PortlandLos Angeles vs. SacramentoLos Angeles vs. AustinLos Angeles vs. Dallas-Fort Worth

Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer in Los Angeles

What is the average Software Engineer salary in Los Angeles?

The median base salary for a Software Engineer in Los Angeles, California is $161,000 per year ($13,417/month). Entry-level roles start around $100,000, while senior and staff-level professionals earn up to $250,000.

How does Los Angeles Software Engineer pay compare to the national average?

Software Engineer salaries in Los Angeles are 22% above the U.S. national benchmark of $132,000.

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

At the median salary of $161,000, the estimated monthly net take-home pay in Los Angeles is approximately $9,620 after deducting estimated federal taxes ($2,549/mo) and state/local taxes ($1,248/mo).

Is Los Angeles affordable for a Software Engineer?

With an average 1-bedroom rent of $2,550/month, housing consumes approximately 27% of a Software Engineer's estimated net take-home pay, which is well within the recommended 30% financial guideline.

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