Construction & Real Estate Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Architect Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median architect salary in Arlington, VA is $109,349 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$109,349
vs State Avg
+$23,195
vs National
+$26,509
Cost of Living
132%

Architect Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median architect salary of $109,349, which is $23,195 above the Virginia state average of $86,154. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $109,349 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for architects in Arlington spans from $66,000 at the 10th percentile to $195,360 at the 90th percentile — a $129,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level architect earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,640
+$16,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,200
+$27,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
+$44,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $66,000
25th Percentile $84,480
Median (50th) $109,349
75th Percentile $147,840
90th Percentile $195,360

Architect Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$84,497
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$82,840
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$81,183
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$79,526
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Architect in Arlington

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Arlington

Browse open architect positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Arlington

How much does a Architect make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median architect salary in Arlington, Virginia is $109,349 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $66,000 (10th percentile) to $195,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,349, a architect in Arlington earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for architect pay? ▼
Arlington's median architect salary of $109,349 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $86,154. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $109,349 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Arlington? ▼
Most architect positions in Arlington 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.