Average Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary in District of Columbia
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $118,270, substantially exceeding the national average of $103,030. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and high demand for specialized architectural services within the nation's capital, where complex projects and a dense urban environment necessitate expert design and planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $118,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,580.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia presents a robust employment environment for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, with a local workforce of 1,340 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.62 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and sustained demand for architectural expertise within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in District of Columbia earns+14.8%above the national average.
$56.9
$2,274
$9,856
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Architects in the District of Columbia over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for skilled professionals in urban development and infrastructure projects. This consistent demand likely translates to competitive salary increases as the market matures.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, in the District of Columbia is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within 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 substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $79,510 | $38.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $88,703 | $42.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $114,480 | $55 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $147,838 | $71.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $164,580 | $79.1 |
Detailed Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$118,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,536
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the nominal average salary of $118,270 appears highly attractive, the District of Columbia's Cost of Living Index of 148.7 (significantly above the national average of 100) means that purchasing power is somewhat tempered. Professionals relocating to DC should anticipate higher expenses for housing, transportation, and daily goods, necessitating careful budgeting to maintain their standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,340
Total Jobs
1.89
Per 1K Jobs
2.62
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 2.6x the national concentration of Architects, Except Landscape and Naval jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.62 for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in the District of Columbia signifies a market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and competitive job market, where employers actively seek out talent, and professionals benefit from a rich ecosystem of related industries and opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $105,080↓ 11% | 35 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $86,750↓ 27% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $102,660↓ 13% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architects, Except Landscape and Naval make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in District of Columbia is $118,270. This typically ranges from $79,510 for entry-level positions to $164,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 14.8% higher than the national median of $103,030.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a lucrative location for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval.Professionals in this field earn significantly more than the national average, and the high concentration of roles suggests strong demand. However, the elevated cost of living requires careful financial planning.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($105,080) and Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV.
How does the DC architect salary compare to the national average?
Architects in the District of Columbia earn an average of $118,270 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $103,030.
What is the job concentration for architects in DC?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.62, indicating that architects are more than twice as prevalent in DC compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in DC affect architect salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, DC is significantly more expensive than the national average. While salaries are higher, the increased cost of living should be factored into the overall financial picture.
What is the total number of architects in the District of Columbia?
There are approximately 1,340 Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, employed within the District of Columbia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 1.89 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia