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.

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.