Construction & Real Estate Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Architect Salary in Sacramento, California

The median architect salary in Sacramento, CA is $97,751 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$97,751
vs State Avg
$-16,568
vs National
+$14,911
Cost of Living
118%

Architect Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median architect salary of $97,751, which is $16,568 below the California state average of $114,319. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $97,751 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for architects in Sacramento spans from $59,000 at the 10th percentile to $174,640 at the 90th percentile — a $115,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,360, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,200. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level architect earns around $61,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,360
+$9,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,300
+$15,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,200
+$25,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $59,000
25th Percentile $75,520
Median (50th) $97,751
75th Percentile $132,160
90th Percentile $174,640

Architect Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$150,769
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$139,171
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$120,946
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$117,633
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Architect in Sacramento

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open architect positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Architect make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median architect salary in Sacramento, California is $97,751 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $59,000 (10th percentile) to $174,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,751, a architect in Sacramento earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for architect pay? ▼
Sacramento's median architect salary of $97,751 is 14.5% below the California state average of $114,319. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $97,751 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Sacramento? ▼
Most architect positions in Sacramento 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.