Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Los Angeles

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 14th 2024

A skyline view of Los Angeles, representing top high-paying tech jobs.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Los Angeles is rapidly becoming a tech hub, projected to be the fifth-largest tech workforce in North America by 2025, with tech contributing $98 billion annually to its economy. Key high-paying roles include Director of Product Management, averaging $175K to $205K, and Senior Software Engineers at $162K+. The city anticipates a 23% job growth, highlighting opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, alongside major companies like Google and SpaceX. LA's tech salaries are competitive, offering lower living costs compared to Silicon Valley.

Los Angeles is absolutely crushing it in tech right now! By 2025, it's become the fifth-largest tech workforce in North America, and the opportunities here are next level.

Tech jobs are expanding across healthcare, finance, and AI sectors, with companies seriously investing in innovation.

The numbers are pretty wild - tech contributes over $98 billion to LA's economy annually, and the median tech salary is hitting $120,000. Tech jobs make up more than 10 percent of California's economy, making it a major player in the industry.

The risk of recession is actually going down, and tech professionals are seeing huge growth in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Whether you're into entertainment tech, biotech, or green energy solutions, LA's got something for everyone. The projected 23% job growth over the next five years is creating tons of possibilities for both newbies and experienced pros.

Plus, with roles like Director of Product Management pulling in almost $200K, the earning potential is seriously impressive. If you're looking to make it big in tech, LA is definitely where it's happening!

Table of Contents

  • Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
  • Director of Product Management
  • Senior Reliability Engineer
  • Application Security Engineer
  • Senior Software Engineer
  • Information Systems Security Manager
  • SAP TMO Senior Manager
  • Software Engineer, Orders Core
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Conclusion: Opportunities for Tech Professionals
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Check out next:

Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs

(Up)

Let's break down how we figure out which tech jobs are worth pursuing in Los Angeles right now. The numbers are pretty exciting - cybersecurity analysts and data scientists are pulling in between $80,000 to $150,000, which is seriously impressive.

When we're ranking these jobs, we look at real salary data from trusted sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor. Software architects and big data engineers are among the highest-paid roles, with some positions hitting up to $240,000.

The tech scene here is huge - we're talking about a market with over 6,000 tech companies and 150,000 tech professionals.

What makes this analysis really interesting is looking at how fast these jobs are growing.

Los Angeles added 36,650 tech jobs between 2017 and 2022, with the tech talent workforce growing by 17%.

When ranking these positions, we use a straightforward scoring system:

  1. Salary prominence: Salary counts for 50%. This is how we assess financial rewards.
  2. Growth potential: Growth potential marks at 30%. This factor indicates future job prospects.
  3. Role importance: How important the role is makes up 20%. This criterion evaluates the role's significance.

This isn't just about finding jobs that pay well today - it's about spotting opportunities that'll still be relevant five years from now.

With remote work becoming more common and major companies like Google and SpaceX having offices here, there are tons of opportunities for anyone looking to break into tech.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Director of Product Management

(Up)

The Director of Product Management role is taking off in Los Angeles tech, and it's easy to see why. As industry reports show, these directors are the strategic minds behind product development, leading teams and setting the direction for what gets built next.

The position typically pays between $175,000 to $205,000 annually, making it one of the highest-paid tech roles in LA. What makes this role interesting is how it combines creative thinking with hardcore business strategy.

According to Product School's latest research, directors need to excel at both daily operations and big-picture planning - from running stand-ups to mapping out product roadmaps that could change the game for their companies.

Recent job market analysis shows that companies are looking for people who can think strategically while staying hands-on with their teams.

The role requires at least five years of product management experience, and most successful directors have a strong background in business or tech. Skills that really matter include data analysis, team leadership, and a solid understanding of user experience design.

With major players like Google, SpaceX, and Snap Inc. expanding their LA presence, there's never been a better time to aim for this position. The tech scene here is growing fast, and companies are competing hard for talented product leaders who can drive innovation.

If you're thinking about career growth in tech, this role offers real potential for both professional development and financial success.

Senior Reliability Engineer

(Up)

As a Senior Reliability Engineer in Los Angeles's tech scene, you're looking at an average salary of $121,562, with opportunities to earn more as you gain experience.

According to recent industry data, these professionals ensure products and systems work consistently throughout their lifecycle.

The role is super hands-on - you'll be working with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and improve system performance. Reliability engineers need to master both predictive maintenance and lifecycle asset management, making sure everything runs smoothly before issues even pop up.

The path to becoming a Senior Reliability Engineer typically takes 8-10 years, starting with a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science.

Major companies like Dow look for candidates who can lead reliability targets, understand technical equipment details, and implement facility strategies.

The field offers solid job security with a 10% growth rate, though it's worth noting the work can be challenging - the stress level sits at 7.5 out of 10. What makes this role especially interesting is the mix of technical skills and leadership opportunities.

You'll need to be good with data analysis and problem-solving, while also collaborating with different teams to keep systems running at their best.

The tech landscape in LA keeps evolving, and reliability engineering is becoming more crucial than ever.

Whether you're working for a startup or an established tech giant, the focus is on preventing system failures and optimizing performance. The field is pretty diverse too, though there's room for improvement - currently, the gender distribution shows about 12% women and 88% men.

With the increasing importance of reliable systems in tech, this career path offers solid growth potential and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Application Security Engineer

(Up)

Application Security Engineers are the guardians of software applications, protecting against cyber threats that keep getting more complex. According to recent salary data, these professionals in Los Angeles earn between $85,000 to $225,000, with average total compensation hitting $149,761.

The role is red-hot in LA's tech scene, where companies like Amazon and BlackLine are constantly searching for security talent.

These engineers need serious skills in secure coding, threat modeling, and penetration testing. The basic requirements? A computer science degree or equivalent experience, plus key certifications like CISSP or CEH.

The job market is looking seriously good for Application Security Engineers, with growth projected at 32% through 2032.

Daily responsibilities include identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and working with development teams to build secure applications from the ground up.

The cool thing about this role is you're not just writing code - you're actually protecting real people's data and privacy. Tech companies in LA are offering competitive packages, including remote work options, which is perfect for maintaining that work-life balance we're all after.

What makes this role even more exciting is how it's evolving with new technologies.

Want to work with AI security? Cloud protection? Mobile app security? It's all part of the job. Companies are investing heavily in security teams, especially as more services move online.

Whether you're into fintech, entertainment, or e-commerce, there's a place for security engineers in pretty much every industry. Plus, with LA's tech scene expanding, the opportunities just keep growing.

Senior Software Engineer

(Up)

As a Senior Software Engineer in Los Angeles, you're not just writing code - you're leading teams and shaping the future of tech.

The role comes with a solid paycheck, with data showing average compensation hitting $162,358 base salary plus around $25,304 in additional benefits. Tech jobs in LA have grown by 14.2% over the last two years, with senior engineers pulling in up to $200,000+ at top companies.

The tech scene here is seriously buzzing - we're talking 7,762 tech companies across the city, from startups to major players like Google and SpaceX. To crush it in this role, you need to be a master of both technical and soft skills.

This means being super solid with programming languages and architectures, while also being great at communication and mentoring junior devs. Beyond coding, expect to lead projects, make key technical decisions, and help shape the overall direction of your team's work.

The best part? Companies are actively hiring both on-site and remote positions, especially in growing tech hubs like Silicon Beach and Culver City. You'll typically need about 5-6 years of experience to land these roles, but the investment in your skills totally pays off with the competitive salary and exciting project opportunities.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Information Systems Security Manager

(Up)

As an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM), you're basically the digital defense captain for organizations in Los Angeles.

The role is super intense - you're responsible for protecting company data, managing security teams, and making sure everything stays locked down tight. According to recent data, these professionals in California are making serious money, with average salaries hitting $171,747 in 2024, which is pretty sweet considering the growing importance of cybersecurity.

The best part? The field is absolutely booming right now.

What's really cool about being an ISSM is how you get to work with cutting-edge tech while protecting against real threats.

The role requires managing operational, technological, and legal risks, plus you need to stay ahead of emerging security threats.

Most positions want you to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or something similar, and those certifications like CISSP and CISM are pretty much must-haves.

But honestly, it's worth the effort - especially in LA's tech scene, where every startup and major company needs someone to protect their digital assets.

Companies in Los Angeles are seriously investing in cybersecurity right now.

Whether it's movie studios protecting their unreleased content or tech companies safeguarding user data, ISSMs are crucial team members. The role keeps evolving too - you're not just handling firewalls and security protocols anymore.

You're also dealing with AI security, cloud protection, and building resilient systems that can handle whatever new threats pop up. It's challenging work, but that's exactly what makes it interesting - every day brings something new to tackle.

SAP TMO Senior Manager

(Up)

SAP TMO Senior Managers are making waves in LA's tech scene with serious earning potential - we're talking $130,000 to $256,000 annually, plus possible bonus packages.

These tech pros are essentially the masterminds behind helping companies level up their digital game. The role is perfect for anyone who loves solving complex puzzles while leading teams.

What's really cool is that you get to work on everything from sales and finance to supply chain systems, ensuring businesses run smoothly in the digital age. The position requires working closely with business leaders, crafting project plans, and ensuring everyone's on the same page when it comes to tech implementation.

Getting into this role isn't easy - you need at least 8 years of experience and a bachelor's degree, plus deep knowledge of SAP systems.

But the payoff is worth it. Los Angeles companies are actively recruiting for these positions, especially in entertainment, healthcare, and tech sectors.

The job involves a mix of technical know-how and people skills - you'll be leading teams, solving problems, and ensuring projects stay on track. What makes this role particularly exciting is the chance to work with cutting-edge tech while helping companies transform their operations.

The future looks bright for SAP TMO Senior Managers in LA. With more companies going digital and upgrading their systems, there's a growing need for people who can lead these transformations.

Plus, the role often comes with sweet perks like medical benefits, 401k matching, and flexible work arrangements. If you're considering this career path, focus on building both your technical SAP skills and your leadership abilities - businesses are seeking individuals who can excel in both areas.

Software Engineer, Orders Core

(Up)

The Software Engineer, Orders Core position in Los Angeles is seriously taking off in 2025. According to recent salary data, these roles offer competitive compensation ranging from $139,000 to $245,000 annually, with many positions offering flexible remote or hybrid work options.

The role involves building crucial solutions for payment processing and inventory management systems, making it a key position in the tech ecosystem.

Companies like Square and Block are actively recruiting for these positions, offering comprehensive benefits packages including 401(k) matching and adoption assistance.

The work involves developing scalable systems for integrated, omnichannel solutions - perfect for engineers who love solving complex problems. What makes this role extra interesting is the chance to work with cutting-edge tech while building systems that millions of people use daily.

The LA tech scene is thriving with over 7,762 tech companies, and new opportunities keep popping up.

The role requires solid coding skills, but what's really cool is how it combines technical expertise with business impact. You get to work on everything from payment systems to inventory management, making it perfect for anyone who wants to see their code make a real difference.

Whether you're into fintech, e-commerce, or general software development, this role offers tons of room for growth and learning.

Cloud Engineer

(Up)

Cloud Engineers in Los Angeles are crushing it right now with amazing career prospects and competitive pay. As a cloud engineer, you're responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cloud-based systems that keep businesses running smoothly.

The role is super diverse - one day you might be migrating applications to the cloud, and the next, you're optimizing costs and troubleshooting performance issues.

According to recent data, cloud engineers in LA are pulling in salaries between $130K to $245K, with experienced engineers averaging around $154K.

The tech scene in LA is huge, with over 7,700 tech companies looking for talent. To excel in this field, you need to master cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, plus have solid coding skills in languages like Python and Java.

What's really cool is that cloud engineers get to work remotely a lot of the time, and some companies are even testing out 4-day work weeks.

The job market is seriously hot right now, with major tech companies and entertainment giants all competing for cloud talent. You don't always need a traditional computer science degree either - coding bootcamps can be a valid pathway into the field.

With the growing demand for cloud services and the constant evolution of technology, this career path is definitely worth considering for anyone interested in tech who wants to make their mark in LA's dynamic tech scene.

Data Scientist

(Up)

Data Scientists in Los Angeles are seriously shaping the future of tech and business right now. Based on current job listings from LA County's District Attorney office, these roles pay between $113,100 to $152,409 annually, making them some of the best-paid positions in tech.

Both government and private sector jobs are competing for talent - FOX Entertainment offers similar compensation ranges from $121,500 to $130,000, plus sweet bonus opportunities.

According to UCLA Health, top performers can even reach $227,700 annually.

The day-to-day work is pretty diverse.

You'll spend time creating predictive models, working with machine learning algorithms, and turning complex data into clear insights that help companies make better decisions.

Most positions want you to know Python, R, and SQL, plus have experience with visualization tools like Tableau. What's really interesting is how the role spans different industries - from entertainment and healthcare to government agencies.

Key skills that employers are looking for include:

  • Machine learning and predictive analytics: Employers need professionals skilled in these areas to drive data-driven improvements.
  • Data visualization and communication: The ability to present data insights clearly is crucial for decision-making.
  • Statistical analysis: Understanding and applying statistics is essential for deriving meaningful insights.
  • Programming languages (Python, R): These are must-have skills for writing efficient data scripts.
  • Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP): Knowledge of these platforms is necessary for handling large data sets.
  • Business strategy and stakeholder management: Aligning data findings with business goals is key to success.

The best part? The field keeps growing and evolving.

Companies need people who can not just crunch numbers but also translate data into business value. With the mix of technical and business skills, plus the growing demand across industries, Data Science is definitely one of the most solid career choices in LA's tech scene right now.

Conclusion: Opportunities for Tech Professionals

(Up)

Looking at the tech scene in Los Angeles, it's honestly mind-blowing how many opportunities there are for people like me who want to break into the industry. According to recent salary data, Software Engineers can earn between $90,000 to $198,000, which is incredible for someone just starting their career.

The city's got everything from startups to major tech companies, and they're all competing for talent. What's really cool is that Motion Recruitment's latest guide shows LA tech salaries are just slightly lower than Silicon Valley, but with better living costs.

Plus, companies like TikTok, Google, and Netflix are always hiring here. The most exciting part is seeing how new roles are emerging in cloud architecture, AI, and cybersecurity - areas that barely existed a few years ago.

For someone starting out, the entry-level positions in AI are starting around $110,925, which is pretty sweet.

What makes LA special is how it blends tech with entertainment, creating unique opportunities you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're into coding, data science, or cybersecurity, there's a place for everyone here, and the growth potential is seriously impressive.

The best part? Many companies offer flexible work arrangements, so you can enjoy LA life while building your career in tech.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Up)

What is the average salary for tech jobs in Los Angeles?

The median tech salary in Los Angeles is around $120,000, with some positions offering up to $240,000 annually, depending on the role and experience level.

Which tech job roles are ranked highest in Los Angeles?

Roles such as Director of Product Management and Senior Software Engineer are among the highest-ranked tech jobs in Los Angeles, with salaries reaching up to $200,000 and beyond.

What are the key factors considered in ranking tech jobs in Los Angeles?

The ranking of tech jobs is based on three key factors: salary prominence (50%), growth potential (30%), and role importance (20%). This methodology ensures a comprehensive analysis of a job's current and future value.

What is the job growth projection for tech roles in Los Angeles?

The job growth for tech positions in Los Angeles is expected to be 23% over the next five years, signaling significant opportunities for both new and experienced professionals.

Which industries offer tech opportunities in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles offers tech opportunities across various industries such as entertainment tech, biotech, AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, green energy solutions, and many more.

You may be interested in the following topics as well:

N

Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.