Research Scientist Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026
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.
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 | -$28,176 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$15,284 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$12,572 |
| Annual Take-Home | $108,309 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $9,026 |
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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Salary Percentile Breakdown — Research Scientist in Los Angeles
Based on the cost-of-living-adjusted distribution for Research Scientist in Los Angeles, CA, here's how earnings break down across the workforce:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent | Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th (lowest) | $94,620 | $45/hr | Entry-level, < 1 yr exp. |
| 25th | $129,480 | $62/hr | Junior, 1-3 yrs exp. |
| 50th (median) | $164,340 | $79/hr | Mid-career, 2-5 years postdoc |
| 75th | $214,140 | $103/hr | Senior, 5-10 yrs exp. |
| 90th (top) | $282,200 | $136/hr | Lead/Principal, 10+ yrs |
Percentiles estimated using a log-normal salary distribution model calibrated to Research Scientist compensation data. Top earners (P90) typically include managers, specialists with rare skills, or those at high-paying employers in Los Angeles's Entertainment sector.
5-Year Salary Trajectory
Research Scientist salaries in Los Angeles have grown approximately 15.0% over the past 5 years, outpacing local CPI inflation in many cases. Here's the historical and projected trajectory:
Year-over-year, an average Research Scientist can expect a 14.6% annual increase moving from entry to senior level over 6 years in Los Angeles. Negotiation, certifications (PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training), and changing employers strategically can accelerate this trajectory.
Los Angeles vs National Average
The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Los Angeles, the cost-of-living-adjusted median of $164,340 is 66.0% above the national figure. This reflects Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166 (higher than the national average of 100).
For Research Scientists, this means: rent typically consumes 29.4% of take-home pay (households spending >30% are considered affordable), and a median home in Los Angeles costs about 7.7× annual take-home. Homeownership in Los Angeles on this salary is challenging — most experts recommend keeping home costs to 3-4× income.
Industry Context: Entertainment in Los Angeles
Los Angeles's economy is anchored by Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare, with 3,898,747 residents and 4.8% unemployment as of 2026. Research Scientists working in the Entertainment sector typically earn at or above the local median due to industry-specific demand. The state's overall job growth rate is 1.8%, and Research Scientist occupations specifically are projected to grow 8.0% nationally through 2034 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Methodology & Data Sources
How we calculate Research Scientist salaries in Los Angeles, CA:
- Base salary model starts with Salario occupation data and public wage references, including BLS OEWS and O*NET when a direct or related occupational crosswalk is available. For niche titles, we do not treat a broader SOC family as an exact job-title wage.
- Cost-of-living adjustment applied using the Los Angeles index of 166 relative to the national baseline of 100, with local rent, home price, unemployment, and tax inputs checked separately.
- Percentile distribution (P10-P90) estimated from the entry, median, senior, and top compensation tiers in the Salario salary model rather than claimed as exact employer payroll data.
- Take-home pay calculated using 2026 federal tax brackets (10%-37%), CA state income tax of 9.3%, and FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%).
- Tax brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single filer for tax year 2026) sourced from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 and updated annually.
Authoritative data sources:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — national and metro-area salary data
- O*NET OnLine — occupation tasks, alternate job titles, skills, and SOC crosswalks
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — occupation outlook where a matching profile is available
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation and cost-of-living data
- U.S. Census Bureau — Los Angeles QuickFacts — population and demographic data
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
- BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics — Los Angeles unemployment rate
Last reviewed: 2026. Salary data updated annually as new BLS releases become available. Research Scientist salaries can vary significantly based on employer, sector (Entertainment vs others in Los Angeles), specific skill set (Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing), and individual negotiation. Always verify current compensation through multiple sources before making career decisions.
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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- Amortio: Home Affordability — what home you can buy on this income
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 $108,309 per year ($9,026/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.1%.
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.