Construction & Real Estate Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Architect Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median architect salary in Bellevue, WA is $125,917 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$125,917
vs State Avg
+$30,651
vs National
+$43,077
Cost of Living
152%

Architect Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median architect salary of $125,917, which is $30,651 above the Washington state average of $95,266. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $125,917 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for architects in Bellevue spans from $76,000 at the 10th percentile to $224,960 at the 90th percentile — a $148,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,040, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $212,800. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level architect earns around $79,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $212,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,040
+$27,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$212,800
+$72,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $76,000
25th Percentile $97,280
Median (50th) $125,917
75th Percentile $170,240
90th Percentile $224,960

Architect Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$122,603
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$91,124
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$84,497
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$76,213
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Architect in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open architect positions in Bellevue, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Architect make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median architect salary in Bellevue, Washington is $125,917 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $76,000 (10th percentile) to $224,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,917, a architect in Bellevue earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for architect pay? ▼
Bellevue's median architect salary of $125,917 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $95,266. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $125,917 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Bellevue? ▼
Most architect positions in Bellevue 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.