Average Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary in California
Architects in California earn a substantial average annual salary of $123,130, significantly exceeding the national average of $103,030. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's dynamic construction sector, high demand for specialized architectural services, and the state's overall robust economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $123,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $181,110.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 13,880 architects, California demonstrates a strong presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for architectural talent within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in California earns+19.5%above the national average.
$59.2
$2,368
$10,261
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that the demand for architects in California has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring the state's ongoing development and construction projects. This sustained activity typically translates into upward pressure on salaries, reflecting a healthy and evolving job market for architectural professionals.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary Distribution in California
Salary progression for architects in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive portfolios and project management expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,660 | $31.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $92,348 | $44.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $105,840 | $50.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $153,913 | $74 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $181,110 | $87.1 |
Detailed Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$123,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,903
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the average annual salary for architects in California stands at $123,130, the state's Cost of Living Index is 138.5, considerably higher than the national average of 100. This means that despite a higher nominal income, the purchasing power of an architect's salary in California is somewhat diminished due to the elevated cost of goods and services, particularly housing.
Job Market Context
13,880
Total Jobs
0.769
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Architects, Except Landscape and Naval roles compared to the national norm.
California's Location Quotient of 1.07 for architects suggests a market where these professionals are slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a competitive environment, but also signifies a robust demand and a well-established professional community, offering ample opportunities for skilled architects.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Visalia, CA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $104,880↓ 15% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $107,020↓ 13% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $111,690↓ 9% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $102,080↓ 17% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architects, Except Landscape and Naval make in California?
The median annual salary for a Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in California is $123,130. This typically ranges from $65,660 for entry-level positions to $181,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 19.5% higher than the national median of $103,030.
Is California a lucrative place for Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
Yes, California is a lucrative place for Architects, Except Landscape and Navals.The average salary of $123,130 is significantly higher than the national average, and the slightly above-average concentration of jobs (LQ 1.07) points to strong market demand.
Is California a good place to live for Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($104,880) and Fresno, CA.
How does California's architect salary compare to the national average?
Architects in California earn an average of $123,130 annually, which is approximately $20,100 more than the national average of $103,030.
What is the Cost of Living like for architects in California?
California's Cost of Living Index is 138.5, meaning it is 38.5% more expensive than the national average, significantly impacting the real value of the higher salary.
How many architects are employed in California?
There are approximately 13,880 architects employed in California, representing a substantial portion of the national workforce in this profession.
Is the job market for architects in California growing?
While specific growth rates aren't detailed, the Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests a healthy concentration and demand for architects, indicating a stable to potentially growing job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,880 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.769 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salaries by State
Top Jobs in California
- All Occupations Salary in California
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in California
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in California
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in California
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in California
- Management Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in California
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in California
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in California
- Browse All Jobs in California →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California