Generally speaking, the average salaries paid in the United States are high.
The average salary in Los Angeles is currently $5,609.91, or $67,318.92 per year. There are, however, some disparities depending on the sector of activity.
Without further ado, find out the average salary in Los Angeles by occupation and the minimum to live comfortably in this Californian city.
The Average Salary in Los Angeles by Job
Salaries in Los Angeles vary greatly depending on the qualifications of the worker and the industry in which they work.
Highly qualified profiles are paid more than junior profiles. Similarly, a blue-collar worker will be paid less than an engineer. However, salaries are generally more attractive than in the rest of the world.
Here is a table summarizing the average salaries in Los Angeles according to the professions.
Job | Average monthly salary |
Accountant | $6,375 |
Architect | $7,353 |
Babysitter | $3,569 |
Construction worker | $3,884 |
Dentist | $12,776 |
Engineer | $7,270 |
Translator | $4,132 |
Lawyer | $11,084 |
Doctor | $19,166 |
Nurses | $8,849 |
Pharmacist | $11,085 |
Plumber | $3,876 |
Teacher | $10,548 |
The salaries mentioned above are net and deducted from the mandatory social charges: withholding tax, workers’ compensation, unemployment, etc.
Please note, however, that there are wage inequalities between men and women in Los Angeles.
According to a study by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), there is a 17.7% gap between the pay of men and women for the same job, with men being paid the most.
What is the Minimum Wage in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, workers can negotiate their salary, and the boss is free to accept or reject the proposal. However, the law imposes a federal minimum wage of $14 per hour for companies with less than 25 employees and $15 per hour for companies with more than 26 employees.
In other words, this is the bare minimum of compensation employers must pay their employees for work performed. No collective bargaining or individual contract could reduce this hourly rate.
However, it is essential to note that this provision does not cover certain occupations listed in The Fair Labor Standards Act. This is the case, for example, for jobs that are paid by tips (such as waiters).
The Average Salary in Los Angeles to Live Well
According to a 2019 GoBankingRates report, to live comfortably in Los Angeles, you’d be better off making at least:
- $136,208 per year as a renter
- $150,392 per year as an owner.
The same report estimates that the average annual cost is:
- $37,600 for rent and a little more for the house loan, if any
- $4,300 for groceries
- $3,600 for utilities (water, electricity, internet, etc.)
- $18,290 for transportation
- $4,200 for medical expenses.
Generally speaking, the cost of living in Los Angeles is expensive, whether for housing, food, or activities.
Rent for an 85 m2 apartment costs between $1,950 and $2,380 per month in the outlying areas. Rates double as you move closer to downtown or upscale neighborhoods.
Schools can cost as much as $30,000 per year. Be sure to negotiate your salary so that you are not shortchanged.
Salary in Los Angeles Compared to The Rest of The US
The average salary in the US is very disparate depending on the city. Salaries are relatively low in less developed cities or states, such as Louisiana, New Mexico, or Maine. The reverse is also true. Salaries are higher in highly developed municipalities or states.
Here is a summary table of average monthly salaries in the United States by city:
City | Average monthly salary |
Phoenix, Arizona | $4,385 |
San Francisco, California | $7,025 |
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | $4,412 |
Denver, Colorado | $5,317 |
Washington DC, District of Columbia | $5,762 |
Miami, Florida | $3,851 |
Atlanta, Georgia | $5,206 |
Chicago, Illinois | $5,509 |
Boston, Massachusetts | $5,765 |
New York, New York | $6,012 |
The average salary in Los Angeles is $5,609. Therefore, not the most attractive, but it remains in the upper middle of what is practiced in the country. Although this salary seems rather attractive for some people, it must always be compared to the cost of living.
It is also essential to consider your lifestyle and expenses to ensure that the salary you receive will allow you to maintain a certain standard of living. In order to refine your budget, it is essential to know the cost of living in Los Angeles.