Research Scientist Salary in Los Angeles, CA
Research Scientist salary data for Los Angeles, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Research Scientist Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026
The median Research Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $164,340 per year ($13,695/month, $79/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 166, which is 66% above the national average.
Research Scientist Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $164,340 |
| Federal Tax | -$28,689 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$15,284 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$12,572 |
| Annual Take-Home | $107,796 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $8,983 |
Living Cost Comparison
Research Scientist Requirements
Key Skills
Los Angeles Job Market Overview
Los Angeles, California has a population of 3,898,747 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The top industries are Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.8%, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
Is Los Angeles a good city for Research Scientists?
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Los Angeles?
How does Research Scientist salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The median Research Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $164,340 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $94,620, while senior-level professionals can earn $214,140 or more.
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $164,340 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $107,796 per year ($8,983/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.4%.
Is Los Angeles a good city for Research Scientists?
Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Los Angeles?
Key skills for Research Scientists include Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing, Statistical Methods, Lab Management. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training.
How does Research Scientist salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $164,340, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.