Jobs and Salaries in Los Angeles, CA
Estimated salaries for 70 common jobs in Los Angeles, with cost-of-living adjusted figures (1.22× US national average).
Working in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California has a cost-of-living index of 1.22× US national average — meaning typical wages adjust accordingly. Salaries shown above represent the population median for each role; entry-level positions often pay 25–35% below median, and senior or specialized roles can earn 40–60%+ more.
Top earners in Los Angeles cluster in: Anesthesiologist, Surgeon, Psychiatrist. These tend to require advanced credentials or significant experience, but they also drive competition for talent — meaning recruiters in these fields are often willing to negotiate above-median offers.
Real take-home pay in Los Angeles
The salaries above are gross — before federal income tax (~14% effective at typical incomes), FICA (7.65%), California state tax (varies), and any city local tax. For a precise after-tax calculation in Los Angeles, use our Los Angeles Paycheck Calculator with your specific filing status, 401(k), and deductions.
Compare with other cities
Considering relocating? Use our Los Angeles cost of living comparison to see how Los Angeles stacks up against 49 other US metros. Higher-cost cities pay more nominal salary but cost-of-living often offsets the gain — sometimes a lower-COL city delivers better real purchasing power.
Related pages
Los Angeles Cost of Living — Los Angeles Paycheck Calculator — Salary Calculator — Best Cities for Software Engineers — Income Tax Calculator.