In Los Angeles, CA, Data Scientists earn a median of $124,810 a year — about 5% above the U.S. median of $119,040. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #14.
What that pay is worth in Los Angeles
Local prices run 114 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $124,460 salary buys less than it looks — about $109,593 in national-average buying power.
Can Data Scientists afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 — 7.1 times the average Data Scientist salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,879/mo takes roughly 18% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Data Scientist pay ladder in Los Angeles
Entry-level (10th percentile) Data Scientists earn about $62,820; the top 10% reach $193,140 — a $130,320 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Data Scientist job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles employs roughly 9,220 Data Scientists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Los Angeles with other cities
See the full Data Scientist salary by city ranking to weigh Los Angeles against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Data Scientists make in Los Angeles?
The average Data Scientist in Los Angeles, CA earns about $124,460 per year, 4.6% above the national average of $119,040.
What is the take-home pay for Data Scientists in Los Angeles after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $124,460 salary is worth about $88,836 a year - roughly $7,403 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 29%.
What do the highest-paid Data Scientists earn in Los Angeles?
The top 10% of Data Scientists in Los Angeles earn about $193,140 a year, versus about $62,820 for the bottom 10%.
Can Data Scientists afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 - roughly 7.1x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.