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These figures are estimated from the national median for this role using a verified geographic cost-of-living multiplier for this metro area. Direct survey data is used where available.
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA Market Report
Fall 2026 UpdateUpdated October 3, 2026

AI Engineer Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA (Fall 2026)

Fastest growing role in Southeast as logistics digitize. In Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA, the median annual base compensation is $214,800, representing a +20% adjustment compared to the national average.

Median Base
$214,800
Market Range (P10–P90)
$157K – $394K
3-Year Trajectory
+9.2%

AI Engineer Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA

10th Percentile
$157,200
Entry / Junior
25th Percentile
$183,120
Mid-Level
50th (Median)
$214,800
Market Midpoint
90th Percentile
$393,600
Senior / Staff

Regional Market Insights & Cost of Living

The cost of living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA is rated as High. When evaluating offers in this market, total purchasing power reflects local housing and tax obligations. Compared to national baseline levels ($$179,000), candidates in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CAcommand a 20% premium based on local demand drivers.

CoL Tier: HighNational Median: $179,000Data Sources: Motion; Built In (calculated)
Avg Total Comp
$244,800
Experience Level
Experienced roles hit $180k+ nationally; AI-first companies pay 20% premium.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average AI Engineer salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA?
In Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA, the median base salary for an AI Engineer is $214,800 per year. Salaries typically range from $157K for entry-to-mid levels up to $394K for senior practitioners.
How does Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA compensation compare to the national average?
AI Engineer pay in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA is 20% above the national median ($179,000 national median). Cost of living for this market is classified as High.
What is the 3-year salary growth trend for AI Engineers in this market?
Compensation for AI Engineers has seen a 9.2% change over the past 3 years. Fastest growing role in Southeast as logistics digitize.
What data sources are used for this Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA benchmark?
This benchmark is compiled using Motion; Built In (calculated), with geographic adjustments based on Verified Cost of Living Indexes and local market surveys.

High Demand Track

Market demand for AI Engineer is at an all-time high. Join the Vetta Marketplace to access verified offers from employers hiring at these benchmarks.

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Compare AI Engineer in Other Markets

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA$242KSan Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA$238KNew York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA$222KBoston-Cambridge-Newton MA-NH$218KSeattle-Tacoma-Bellevue WA$215KWashington-Arlington-Alexandria DC-VA-MD-WV$215K

Other Tech Salaries in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA

Software Engineer$155KSenior Software Engineer$189KMachine Learning Engineer$194KProduct Manager$169KDevOps Engineer$157KQA Engineer$158K