Average Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary in Washington
Architects in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $97,610, which is slightly below the national average of $103,030. This localized figure reflects the state's unique economic drivers and demand for architectural services, often influenced by robust construction sectors and specific regional development projects.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,290.
- Outlook: Washington boasts a substantial architectural workforce of 4,500 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.76, the concentration of architects in the state is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong and established demand for their specialized skills within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in Washington earns-5.3%below the national average.
$46.9
$1,877
$8,134
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for architects in Washington have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for skilled professionals and potential inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory suggests a stable and potentially appreciating job market for architects in the state.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for architects in Washington is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive portfolios and project management expertise command salaries in the higher percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on experience and specialized knowledge within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,790 | $31.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,208 | $35.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,800 | $47 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $122,013 | $58.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $128,290 | $61.7 |
Detailed Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,805
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the nominal salary of $97,610 appears competitive, it's crucial to consider Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average, effectively reducing the purchasing power of the architect's salary compared to living in a more cost-effective region.
Job Market Context
4,500
Total Jobs
1.27
Per 1K Jobs
1.76
Location Quotient
Washington has 1.8x 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 1.76 signifies that Washington has a considerably higher concentration of architects relative to its general workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and specialized market for architectural services, potentially leading to more opportunities but also indicating a competitive environment among professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $98,230↑ 1% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $79,320↓ 19% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $93,090↓ 5% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary | $93,420↓ 4% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architects, Except Landscape and Naval make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in Washington is $97,610. This typically ranges from $65,790 for entry-level positions to $128,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 5.3% lower than the national median of $103,030.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
Yes, with caveats.Architects in Washington earn a solid salary, but the higher cost of living means their effective purchasing power is slightly diminished compared to the national average.
Is Washington a good place to live for Architects, Except Landscape and Navals?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($98,230) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's architect salary compare to the national average?
Architects in Washington earn an average of $97,610 annually, which is approximately $5,420 less than the national average of $103,030.
What is the concentration of architects in Washington?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.76 for architects, meaning the profession is 76% more concentrated than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect an architect's salary in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is 15.1% more expensive than the national average, meaning the $97,610 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost area.
What is the total number of architects employed in Washington?
There are approximately 4,500 architects employed in Washington State, contributing to a significant professional community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,500 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.27 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 Washington