Construction & Real Estate Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Architect Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median architect salary in Los Angeles, CA is $120,946 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$120,946
vs State Avg
+$6,627
vs National
+$38,106
Cost of Living
146%

Architect Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median architect salary of $120,946, which is $6,627 above the California state average of $114,319. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $120,946 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for architects in Los Angeles spans from $73,000 at the 10th percentile to $216,080 at the 90th percentile — a $143,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,920, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,400. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level architect earns around $75,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,920
+$23,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,100
+$39,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,400
+$64,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $73,000
25th Percentile $93,440
Median (50th) $120,946
75th Percentile $163,520
90th Percentile $216,080

Architect Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$150,769
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$139,171
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$117,633
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$97,751
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Architect in Los Angeles

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open architect positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Architect make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median architect salary in Los Angeles, California is $120,946 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $73,000 (10th percentile) to $216,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,946, a architect in Los Angeles earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for architect pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median architect salary of $120,946 is 5.8% above the California state average of $114,319. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $120,946 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Los Angeles? ▼
Most architect positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.