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L&D Salary in California

How much does a L&D make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a L&D in California is $69,169 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, a L&D's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $86,057
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $60,619 to $78,009
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,835
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Key Factors That Influence L&D Salaries

A L&D's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects L&D Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a L&D's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $67,327
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $80,249
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $110,563
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $135,559
  • Expert (over 8 years): $158,364
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
L&D less than 1 year $67,327
Organizational Development Specialist II 1-2 years $80,249
Organizational Development Specialist III 2-4 years $110,563
Organizational Development Specialist IV 5-8 years $135,559
Organizational Development Specialist V over 8 years $158,364

How Do L&D Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract L&Ds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $69,432.
  • California: $69,169.
  • Massachusetts: $68,247.

Top Paying Cities for L&D

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $69,288
  • West Hollywood: $69,238
  • Dodgertown: $69,287

L&D Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For L&D roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, L&D positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view L&D as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a L&D

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $84,386 $41.0 22%
Internet $80,236 $39.0 16%
Biotechnology $77,469 $37.0 12%
Aerospace & Defense $76,777 $37.0 11%
Energy & Utilities $76,086 $37.0 10%

L&D Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a L&D's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$60,619
Average $69,169/year
$78,009
$5,052
Average $5,764/month
$6,501
$1,166
Average $1,330/week
$1,500
$29
Average $33/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,009 $6,501 $1,500 $38
Average $69,169 $5,764 $1,330 $33
25th Percentile $60,619 $5,052 $1,166 $29

Find Your Next L&D Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current L&D job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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