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.

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Salary range

25th Percentile

$83,000

per year

Median

$112,000

per year

75th Percentile

$159,000

per year

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

Entertainment & MediaAerospace & DefenseTechnologyHealthcareFashion

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.

Account Executive salary FAQ

Focus on OTE realism by asking what percentage of the team hit quota last year. Look at the commission rate, accelerators above quota, and whether commissions are capped. A plan where 60 to 70% of reps achieve OTE indicates realistic targets. Also check the ramp period and guarantee structure.

Enterprise AEs typically earn 40 to 60% higher OTE than SMB AEs, reflecting longer sales cycles and larger deal values. An SMB AE might have $140,000 OTE while an enterprise AE at the same company targets $220,000 to $300,000. Moving upmarket is the clearest path to higher earnings.

Account Executives in Los Angeles earn between $83,000 and $159,000 in 2026. The median salary is $112,000. Compensation varies based on experience level, company size, specific skills, and whether the position includes equity, bonuses, or other benefits.

Start by understanding the market range: $83,000 to $159,000 for Account Executives in Los Angeles. Research the specific company, prepare data points about your experience, and consider total compensation including equity, bonuses, and benefits. Orbyt's Salary Playbook provides personalized negotiation strategies based on your specific offer.

Top paying employers for Account Executives in Los Angeles are typically large technology companies, financial institutions, and well funded startups. Company size, industry, and funding stage all influence compensation. Using Orbyt to track and compare multiple offers helps you identify the best total package.

Account Executive salary in other cities

Other salaries in Los Angeles

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