Salary Data
Account Executive Salary in Los Angeles
$112,000
median salary, 18% above the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Account Executive salary in Los Angeles is $112,000. Salaries range from $83,000 (25th percentile) to $159,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.
Salary range
How Los Angeles compares
Los Angeles, CA
$112,000
Cost of living: 18% above average
National Average
$95,000
Los Angeles is $17,000 above
Account Executive job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles market overview
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.
What drives Account Executive salaries
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.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
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.
Tax considerations in Los Angeles
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.
Career progression
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.
Top industries in Los Angeles
Negotiating in Los Angeles
Highlight cross industry skills. LA employers value candidates who bridge entertainment and tech, so framing your experience across verticals can unlock higher offers.