Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, data scientists in Los Angeles earn a mean annual salary of $130,550. This figure is derived from BLS OEWS data, which surveys employer payroll records across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, one of the nation’s largest tech and innovation hubs.

The Los Angeles market for data scientists reflects strong demand from entertainment, aerospace, healthcare, and technology sectors headquartered or maintaining significant operations in Southern California. The $130,550 annual mean salary positions data scientists as well-compensated professionals, though actual compensation varies significantly based on experience, education, employer size, and specific industry sector.

Salary Range by Experience Level

While the provided data does not include specific percentile breakdowns (10th, 25th, 75th, 90th percentiles), the annual mean of $130,550 serves as the benchmark for understanding data scientist compensation in Los Angeles. Entry-level data scientists typically earn below this mean, while senior practitioners and those with specialized skills (machine learning, deep learning, cloud architecture) command salaries above the average.

Cost of Living Context

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive major metropolitan areas in the United States. Understanding how the $130,550 data scientist salary translates to purchasing power is critical for career planning and relocation decisions.

The high cost of living in Los Angeles—driven by housing costs, transportation, and general inflation—means that while $130,550 is a substantial salary, its real value differs significantly from the same nominal amount in lower-cost regions. Data scientists relocating to Los Angeles should budget carefully for:

• Housing: Los Angeles housing costs are substantially above the national median, with both rent and home purchase prices reflecting the region’s desirability and limited housing supply.
• Transportation: While public transit exists, most professionals rely on personal vehicles, adding significant monthly expenses.
• General expenses: Groceries, utilities, and services in Los Angeles typically exceed national averages.

For a data scientist earning $130,550 annually (approximately $10,879 monthly gross), cost-of-living considerations are paramount. A significant portion of take-home pay will be allocated to housing and transportation compared to lower-cost metropolitan areas.

Historical Salary Trend

BLS OEWS data for 2024 shows data scientists in Los Angeles earning an annual mean of $130,550. This represents the most recent snapshot of compensation in this occupation within the Los Angeles MSA. Historical trend analysis requires multi-year data; the 2024 figure provides the baseline for understanding current market conditions.

The data science field has experienced robust growth over the past decade as organizations increasingly leverage data-driven decision-making. Los Angeles, as a major metropolitan area with significant corporate headquarters, venture capital activity, and research institutions, has seen corresponding growth in demand for data science talent.

Job Outlook

Data scientists remain among the most sought-after technical professionals in the U.S. labor market. The occupation (SOC 15-2051) encompasses roles in data analysis, machine learning, statistical modeling, and business intelligence across all major industry sectors.

Los Angeles’s diverse economy—spanning entertainment, aerospace, healthcare, finance, and technology—creates sustained demand for data science expertise. The region’s proximity to major research universities (UCLA, USC, Caltech) and venture capital funding also supports continued growth in data science positions.

Nearby Cities in the Los Angeles Metro Area

Data scientists in the Los Angeles metropolitan area may find opportunities across several major cities within the region, including:

• Long Beach: Major port city with logistics, healthcare, and technology sectors
• Anaheim: Home to major entertainment and hospitality companies
• Santa Ana: Growing tech and business services hub
• Irvine: Major technology and biotech center in Orange County
• Pasadena: Research and technology hub, home to Caltech and JPL
• Glendale: Corporate headquarters and entertainment industry presence

Salary levels may vary slightly across these cities based on local industry composition and cost of living, though the broader Los Angeles MSA data provides a reliable regional benchmark.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Los Angeles?

Entry-level data scientist positions in Los Angeles typically pay below the $130,550 annual mean, often in the range of $90,000–$110,000 annually depending on employer, specific role requirements, and educational background. Many entry-level roles require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field, with some positions preferring graduate-level education or relevant internship experience.

How does the Los Angeles data scientist salary compare to other major tech hubs?

Los Angeles’s $130,550 mean salary for data scientists is competitive but varies relative to other major metropolitan areas. Silicon Valley (San Francisco Bay Area), Seattle, New York, and Boston are also major data science employment centers with different cost-of-living profiles. Direct salary comparisons should account for local cost-of-living indices to determine real purchasing power across regions.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Los Angeles?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, deep learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), and specialized domains (healthcare analytics, financial modeling, computer vision) typically earn above the $130,550 mean. Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) and certifications in specialized areas also correlate with higher compensation.

Is the $130,550 salary sufficient to live comfortably in Los Angeles?

The answer depends on individual circumstances, lifestyle, and financial goals. At $130,550 gross annual income, monthly take-home pay (after taxes, typically 30–35% for California residents) is approximately $7,000–$7,600. This is adequate for a single professional to secure housing, transportation, and maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Los Angeles, though housing costs will consume a larger percentage of income than in lower-cost regions.

What industries in Los Angeles hire the most data scientists?

Los Angeles’s diverse economy creates data science opportunities across multiple sectors: entertainment and media (streaming, studios), aerospace and defense, healthcare and biotech, financial services, e-commerce, and technology companies. The region’s venture capital ecosystem also supports startups seeking data science talent.

How often does BLS salary data update for data scientists in Los Angeles?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program releases occupational salary data annually, typically in May. The most recent data cited here is from 2024. For the most current salary information, consult the BLS OEWS database directly or check back for 2025 data releases in mid-2025.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other). Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA (31080).

Last updated: April 10, 2026. Salary figures are based on public government surveys and represent averages; actual compensation varies by employer, experience, education, and specific role responsibilities. This content is informational and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Always verify current data with official sources before making employment or relocation decisions.