Account Executive.
Los Angeles.
$113,000
median salary, 19% above the national average
$83,000 to $161,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what Account Executives actually make in Los Angeles: $83,000 at the 25th percentile, $113,000 at the median, and $161,000 at the 75th. That is 19% above the national average. Los Angeles blends a thriving entertainment industry with a growing tech and startup ecosystem, often called Silicon Beach. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $102,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$73,000
to $90,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$96,000
to $119,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$124,000
to $147,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$141,000
to $175,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $25,000 to the total package.
Base
$113,000
Equity
$14,000
Bonus
$9,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $138,000
How Los Angeles compares
Los Angeles, CA
$113,000
Cost of living: 18% above average
National Average
$95,000
Los Angeles is $18,000 above
Account Executive salary by city
Salary by role in Los Angeles
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Account Executive roles in Los Angeles, here is what you are walking into. Los Angeles blends a thriving entertainment industry with a growing tech and startup ecosystem, often called Silicon Beach. The city's diverse economy spans aerospace, healthcare, fashion, and gaming. LA offers strong salaries that, while below San Francisco levels, pair with a broader lifestyle appeal and lower housing costs relative to the Bay Area. On target earnings (OTE) matter more than base salary. Deal size, sales cycle length, and industry vertical create significant compensation differences. Enterprise AEs selling six and seven figure deals earn far more than SMB representatives. Consistently exceeding quota for multiple quarters gives you the strongest negotiation leverage.
SDRs start at $45,000 to $65,000 base (OTE $75,000 to $100,000). AEs earn $80,000 to $135,000 base (OTE $160,000 to $270,000). Senior or enterprise AEs reach OTE of $250,000 to $400,000. Sales directors and VPs can earn $300,000 to $500,000+ with team overrides and bonuses. In Los Angeles, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 18% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. Commission structures typically set OTE at 2x base salary, so a $90,000 base targets $180,000 total. Top performers regularly exceed OTE by 30 to 50%. Accelerators kick in above quota, and Presidents Club trips and bonuses reward the highest achievers. Equity is common at SaaS startups. And on the tax side: california's 13.3% top state income tax rate applies to LA earners as well. There is no city income tax, but the high state rate makes take home pay lower than cities in no income tax states. When someone quotes you $113,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight cross industry skills. LA employers value candidates who bridge entertainment and tech, so framing your experience across verticals can unlock higher offers. The range for Account Executives in Los Angeles runs from $83,000 to $161,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Risk Analyst in Los Angeles earns $112,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Los Angeles is Chief AI Officer at $377,000
Common questions.
Account Executive salary in other cities
Other salaries in Los Angeles
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