Construction & Real Estate Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Architect Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median architect salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $71,242 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$71,242
vs State Avg
$-4,971
vs National
$-11,598
Cost of Living
86%

Architect Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median architect salary of $71,242, which is $4,971 below the North Carolina state average of $76,213. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,242 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Winston-Salem spans from $43,000 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $84,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,720, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,400. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level architect earns around $44,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $43,000
25th Percentile $55,040
Median (50th) $71,242
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Architect Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$81,183
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$81,183
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$78,698
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$72,899
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Architect in Winston-Salem

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open architect positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Architect make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median architect salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $71,242 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $43,000 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,242, a architect in Winston-Salem earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for architect pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median architect salary of $71,242 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $76,213. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $71,242 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most architect positions in Winston-Salem 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.