Construction & Real Estate San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Architect Salary in San Diego, California

The median architect salary in San Diego, CA is $117,633 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$117,633
vs State Avg
+$3,314
vs National
+$34,793
Cost of Living
142%

Architect Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median architect salary of $117,633, which is $3,314 above the California state average of $114,319. Compared to the national median of $82,840, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $117,633 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for architects in San Diego spans from $71,000 at the 10th percentile to $210,160 at the 90th percentile — a $139,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,840, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $198,800. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level architect earns around $73,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,840
+$21,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,700
+$35,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,800
+$58,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $71,000
25th Percentile $90,880
Median (50th) $117,633
75th Percentile $159,040
90th Percentile $210,160

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
Sacramento, CA
$97,751
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Architect in San Diego

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in San Diego

Browse open architect positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in San Diego

How much does a Architect make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median architect salary in San Diego, California is $117,633 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $71,000 (10th percentile) to $210,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,633, a architect in San Diego earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for architect pay? ▼
San Diego's median architect salary of $117,633 is 2.9% above the California state average of $114,319. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $117,633 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in San Diego? ▼
Most architect positions in San Diego 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.