Construction & Real Estate California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Architect Salary in California

The median architect salary in California is $114,319 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$114,319
vs National
+$31,479
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Architect Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level architect earns around $71,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,200 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,760
+$19,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,300
+$32,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,200
+$53,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $69,000
25th Percentile $88,320
Median (50th) $114,319
75th Percentile $154,560
90th Percentile $204,240

Architect Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for architects in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$120,946
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$150,769
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$117,633
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$139,171
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$97,751
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Architect in California

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Architect Jobs in California

Browse open architect positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in California

How much does a Architect make in California? ▼
The median architect salary in California is $114,319 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $69,000 (10th percentile) to $204,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,319, a architect in California earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for architects? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $71,760, while senior professionals earn $193,200.
How does California compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. California's median of $114,319 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($140,828) and Massachusetts ($111,834).
What is the entry-level architect salary in California? ▼
An entry-level architect in California earns approximately $71,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $117,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $193,200.
What city in California pays architects the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for architects, with a median salary of $150,769. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.