Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Los Angeles: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an annual mean salary of $130,550 for data scientists in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This figure reflects the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey conducted by the BLS, which tracks compensation across major U.S. metropolitan areas.

The Los Angeles metro area—which encompasses Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Pasadena, and Glendale—represents one of the largest technology and business hubs on the West Coast. Data scientists in this region command competitive salaries that reflect both the high cost of living and the concentration of major employers in tech, entertainment, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Salary Context

At $130,550 annually, a Los Angeles data scientist earns approximately $10,879 per month (before taxes) or roughly $62.77 per hour on a standard 2,080-hour work year. This baseline figure represents the mean (average) compensation across all experience levels and specializations within the data science field in the region.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding raw salary figures requires context about Los Angeles’s high cost of living. The Los Angeles metropolitan area has one of the highest costs of living in the United States, which directly impacts the purchasing power of a $130,550 salary.

Key Cost of Living Factors:

• Los Angeles has a significantly elevated housing market, with median home values and rental costs substantially above the national average
• The region’s cost of living index is considerably higher than most U.S. metros, meaning a dollar goes less far in Los Angeles than in lower-cost areas
• When adjusted for regional cost of living, the $130,550 salary may be equivalent to a lower nominal amount in lower-cost regions

For context, professionals considering a move to Los Angeles or negotiating a transfer should factor in:

• Above-average housing costs (both purchase price and rent)
• Higher state income taxes (California’s top marginal rate reaches 13.3%)
• Elevated transportation and general living expenses
• Strong job market demand that supports higher nominal wages

Historical Salary Trend

Data scientist compensation in Los Angeles has shown steady growth through 2024. The BLS reported an annual mean salary of $130,550 in 2024, reflecting the continued demand for data science talent in the region’s expanding tech, entertainment, and business sectors.

The upward trajectory in data science salaries reflects:

• Growing adoption of AI and machine learning across industries
• Increased competition for skilled data professionals
• The region’s position as a major tech and entertainment hub
• Rising demand from finance, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors

Job Outlook

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational fields in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for quantitative roles like data scientists, driven by:

• Continued digital transformation: Organizations across all sectors are investing heavily in data analytics and AI capabilities
• Competitive talent market: The supply of qualified data scientists has not kept pace with demand, supporting wage growth
• Industry expansion: Los Angeles’s entertainment, aerospace, healthcare, and financial services sectors all employ significant numbers of data professionals
• Emerging specializations: Growth in machine learning engineering, AI ethics, and specialized analytics roles

Professionals entering or advancing in data science careers in Los Angeles can expect competitive compensation and multiple career pathway options.

Top Employers for Data Scientists in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to numerous major employers actively hiring data scientists. The region’s economy spans entertainment (streaming services, studios), aerospace and defense, healthcare systems, financial services, e-commerce, and technology companies. Major employers in the area include:

• Entertainment & Streaming: Major studios and streaming platforms headquartered or with significant operations in Los Angeles
• Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and related contractors
• Healthcare: Large hospital systems and pharmaceutical companies
• Financial Services: Banks, insurance companies, and fintech firms
• Technology: Software companies, cloud service providers, and startups

Data scientists at these organizations typically earn salaries aligned with the $130,550 regional average, with variation based on company size, specific role, experience level, and specialization.

Nearby Cities in the Los Angeles Metro

The Los Angeles metropolitan statistical area includes several major cities where data scientists work:

• Long Beach: Major port city with significant logistics, healthcare, and aerospace employment
• Anaheim: Home to Disney headquarters and entertainment industry jobs
• Santa Ana: Orange County business hub with diverse employer base
• Irvine: Technology corridor with numerous tech companies and research institutions
• Pasadena: Home to Caltech, JPL, and numerous tech companies
• Glendale: Corporate headquarters location with media and tech companies

Salary variations across these cities are typically minimal within the Los Angeles MSA, as the BLS reports data at the metropolitan level. However, cost of living can vary by neighborhood and city, which may affect the effective purchasing power of a given salary.

Related Guides

FAQ

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

Entry-level data scientists in Los Angeles typically start below the regional average of $130,550. Recent graduates or those transitioning into data science from other fields can expect starting salaries in the range of $80,000–$100,000, depending on educational background, certifications, and prior experience. The $130,550 figure represents the mean across all experience levels, so early-career professionals should anticipate lower initial compensation with growth potential as they gain experience and develop specialized skills.

How does data scientist salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?

The Los Angeles data scientist salary of $130,550 (2024, BLS) is substantially higher than salaries in most other U.S. regions. This premium reflects the region’s high cost of living, concentration of major employers, and competitive talent market. However, when adjusted for cost of living, the real purchasing power advantage may be smaller than the nominal difference suggests. Professionals should compare not just raw salary but also housing costs, taxes, and overall cost of living when evaluating compensation offers.

Is it worth moving to Los Angeles for a data scientist position?

The decision to relocate depends on multiple factors beyond salary. While Los Angeles offers competitive compensation ($130,550 average), the region’s high cost of living—particularly housing—can offset nominal wage advantages. Advantages of relocating include access to major employers, networking opportunities, and career advancement potential. Disadvantages include elevated housing costs, California state income taxes, and traffic-related quality-of-life factors. Professionals should calculate the cost of living adjustment, consider their career stage, and evaluate personal priorities before making a relocation decision.

What skills command premium salaries for data scientists in Los Angeles?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), and specialized domains (healthcare analytics, financial modeling, entertainment metrics) typically earn above the regional average. Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD in relevant fields), certifications, and proven track records with large-scale data projects also support higher compensation. The competitive Los Angeles market rewards specialized skills and demonstrated impact.

What is the job outlook for data scientists in Los Angeles?

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational fields nationally and in Los Angeles specifically. The region’s diverse economy—spanning entertainment, aerospace, healthcare, finance, and technology—creates sustained demand for data professionals. Organizations across all sectors are increasing investment in analytics and AI capabilities, supporting strong job growth and wage stability for qualified data scientists.

How do data scientist salaries vary by industry in Los Angeles?

While the BLS reports an overall average of $130,550, compensation varies by industry. Technology companies, entertainment streaming services, aerospace contractors, and financial institutions typically offer salaries at or above the regional average. Healthcare and smaller organizations may offer slightly lower nominal salaries, though cost of living adjustments and benefits packages vary. Data scientists should research industry-specific compensation when evaluating opportunities.

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

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data from public sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role, experience, education, and market conditions. This content is not financial or career advice. Consult with a career advisor or compensation specialist for personalized guidance.