Los Angeles Metro Area Salary Guide 2026
Comprehensive salary data, cost of living, top industries, and career opportunities in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area. Updated with 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data.
Average Salary
$122,621
per year
Cost of Living
136.4
36.4% above avg
Population
12.9M
metro area
Unemployment
4.8%
rate
About the Los Angeles Metro Area
The Los Angeles metropolitan area is the second-largest metro region in the United States and a global center for entertainment, technology, and international trade. The metro area spans Los Angeles and Orange Counties, encompassing diverse communities from Santa Monica to Anaheim. LA offers unique career opportunities in industries that barely exist elsewhere, alongside strong healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors.
The Los Angeles Metro Area has a population of approximately 12,872,808 residents and a median household income of $77,324. The region's cost of living index of 136.4 indicates living costs are 36% above the national average.
Top Industries in Los
Salary Ranges by Occupation in Los
Salary data for popular occupations in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area. All figures based on 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
| Occupation | Entry Level (10th) | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $92,450 | $175,890 | $285,620 |
| Marketing Manager | $92,450 | $158,920 | $235,680 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $95,420 | $132,680 | $178,950 |
| Software Developer | $82,340 | $128,450 | $192,680 |
| Registered Nurse | $85,490 | $118,620 | $158,940 |
| Physical Therapist | $78,920 | $98,450 | $128,650 |
| Film/Video Editor | $42,680 | $85,420 | $156,890 |
| Accountant | $54,890 | $82,540 | $128,450 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2026. Employment figures represent estimated workers in the metro area.
Economy Overview
Los Angeles boasts a diverse economy anchored by the entertainment industry, with Hollywood remaining the undisputed capital of film, television, and music production. The technology sector has matured significantly, with Silicon Beach in Venice and Santa Monica housing major tech companies and startups. The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, supporting a massive logistics and trade sector. Aerospace remains important, with SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and other defense contractors providing high-paying technical jobs.
Major Employers in Los
Cost of Living in Los
Los Angeles has a very high cost of living, driven primarily by housing costs. Median home prices exceed $800,000, while rents for one-bedroom apartments average $2,200-$3,000 depending on location. Transportation costs are higher than average due to car dependency, though public transit has improved. The mild climate reduces utility costs, and outdoor activities are often free. California state income tax adds to the overall tax burden.
Cost of Living Index
136.4
100 = national average
Median Household Income
$77,324
per year
Purchasing Power
$89,898
COL-adjusted avg salary
Job Market Insights
The LA job market offers exceptional opportunities in entertainment, creative industries, and technology. Competition for entertainment jobs is fierce, but technical and business roles in media companies offer more accessible entry points. Healthcare employment is robust due to the large population. The gig economy is particularly strong in LA, with many professionals working freelance or contract roles in creative fields.
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Jobs in Sample Occupations
328,330
Quality of Life in Los
LA offers year-round sunshine, world-class beaches, and access to mountains and desert within a two-hour drive. The cultural scene spans world-class museums, diverse cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Traffic congestion is a significant quality-of-life factor, with long commutes common. The entertainment industry creates a unique creative energy, and outdoor lifestyle opportunities are unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions About Los Salaries
What is the average salary in Los?
The average salary in the Los Angeles Metro Area is approximately $122,621 per year across the occupations we track. However, salaries vary significantly by occupation, with the highest-paying role (Lawyer) earning $175,890 median and entry-level positions starting around $42,680.
What are the highest paying jobs in Los?
The highest paying occupations in the Los Angeles Metro Area include Lawyer ($175,890), Marketing Manager ($158,920), Aerospace Engineer ($132,680). Top earners in the 90th percentile can make $285,620 or more annually.
How does the cost of living in Los affect salaries?
The Los Angeles Metro Area has a cost of living index of 136.4, which is 36.4% above the national average. When adjusted for cost of living, the average salary of $122,621 has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $89,898 in an average-cost metro area.
What industries are hiring in Los?
The top industries driving employment in the Los Angeles Metro Area are Entertainment & Media, Technology & Aerospace, Healthcare, International Trade & Logistics. Major employers in the region include Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and others. The unemployment rate of 4.8% indicates a competitive job market.
Explore More Salary Data
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey for 2026. The OEWS survey is a semi-annual survey of employers that produces employment and wage estimates for over 800 occupations across all major metropolitan areas.
Cost of living data is based on composite indexes that compare housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and other expenses to national averages. Population and economic data are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis.