AI Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
LA combines entertainment tech with aerospace AI innovation.
Median total comp: $200K. Netflix, SpaceX, and gaming studios lead the market.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
LA's AI Scene Is Different.
Here's What You Need to Know.
Entertainment AI (Netflix, Disney, studios) is huge in LA. You want to know how those salaries compare.
SpaceX and aerospace AI offer unique opportunities. The compensation structures are different from pure tech.
Gaming AI (Riot, Activision) is concentrated in LA. Game AI engineers have specific market dynamics.
Here's What AI Engineers Actually Earn in LA
The AI Career Accelerator
Based on levels.fyi data verified January 2026. LA is the #3 tech hub by compensation. AI engineers typically earn 15-20% premium over software engineers.
Entry/Junior (0-2 years)
Base: $95K-$125K | Total Comp: $110K-$160K
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Base: $125K-$165K | Total Comp: $160K-$230K
Senior (5+ years)
Base: $165K-$210K | Total Comp: $230K-$350K+
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
LA AI Demand Spans Entertainment and Aerospace
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies pay the most for AI engineers in LA?
Netflix leads LA at $480K average total comp, followed by Meta ($400K) and Nvidia ($360K). SpaceX pays $200K-$300K for AI/ML roles with unique mission-driven appeal. Entertainment companies like Disney and Warner Bros pay $150K-$250K for AI engineers.
What do entertainment AI engineers earn in LA?
Netflix AI engineers earn $300K-$480K at senior levels. Disney, Warner Bros, and streaming platforms pay $150K-$280K. Unique opportunities include recommendation systems, content AI, visual effects ML, and production optimization. Domain expertise in entertainment adds 10-15% to offers.
How do SpaceX and aerospace AI salaries compare?
SpaceX pays $180K-$300K for AI/ML engineers, below pure tech but with unique mission appeal. Anduril and other aerospace/defense AI companies pay similarly. The trade-off is working on cutting-edge applications (autonomous vehicles, computer vision for rockets) vs maximum compensation.
What do gaming AI engineers earn in LA?
Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, and EA pay $150K-$280K for AI engineers. Gaming AI includes NPC behavior, matchmaking, anti-cheat, and content generation. The gaming industry traditionally pays below pure tech, but AI specialists can command premiums.
How do LA AI salaries compare to San Francisco?
LA trails SF by about 30% in total compensation. LA median: $200K vs SF median: $300K. However, LA cost of living is about 25% lower than SF. If you're interested in entertainment AI, gaming, or aerospace, LA is the place to be despite lower raw numbers.
Is LA cost of living worth the AI salary?
LA cost of living is high (about 50% above national average) but below SF and NYC. A $200K LA salary provides reasonable purchasing power, especially outside central LA. The unique industry opportunities (entertainment, aerospace, gaming) make LA worthwhile for engineers interested in those domains.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available