Architecture salaries
in Los Angeles - 2026
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
Architecture and Design
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How much do architects earn in Los Angeles?
The average salary for an architect in Los Angeles is $118,000 per year in 2026. Architects at 0-3 years start between $65,000 and $75,000, mid-career architects at 6-9 years earn $85,000 to $115,000, senior architects at 10+ years earn $110,000 to $145,000, and Managing Principals earn $160,000 to $210,000. All figures are USD base salaries excluding bonus.
Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
Los Angeles architecture salary table 2026
Base annual salaries in USD, excluding bonus. Benchmark your own salary with our calculator.
Showing annual base salaries, excluding bonus.
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architect (0-3 yrs) | $65,000 | $70,000 | $75,000 | |
| Architect (3-6 yrs) | $75,000 | $85,000 | $95,000 | |
| Architect (6-9 yrs) | $85,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 | |
| Senior Architect (10+ yrs) | $110,000 | $125,000 | $145,000 | |
| Project Manager (5-10 yrs) | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | |
| Project Manager (10+ yrs) | $120,000 | $140,000 | $160,000 | |
| Visualiser | $65,000 | $75,000 | $85,000 | |
| Senior Visualiser | $75,000 | $95,000 | $110,000 | |
| BIM Coordinator | $85,000 | $95,000 | $105,000 | |
| BIM Manager | $100,000 | $125,000 | $145,000 | |
| Managing Principal | $160,000 | $180,000 | $210,000 | |
| CEO / President | $180,000 | $210,000 | $230,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
The architecture career path in Los Angeles
Average base salary by seniority.
Average base salaries in USD, excluding bonus.
How Los Angeles compares
Average base salary for the same level across the three major US markets we benchmark.
Base annual salaries in USD from the Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
What’s shaping Los Angeles architecture salaries in 2026
Entry level
Architects at 0-3 years earn $65,000 to $75,000, averaging $70,000. That is level with San Francisco and $5,000 behind New York. Visualisers start at the same point.
Mid-career
Architects at 6-9 years average $100,000, behind San Francisco at $105,000 and New York at $106,000. Project Managers at 5-10 years earn $100,000 to $130,000 and BIM Coordinators $85,000 to $105,000.
Senior
Senior Architects at 10+ years average $125,000 against $135,000 in both San Francisco and New York. BIM Managers match them exactly at $125,000, making it one of the best paid technical routes in LA.
Leadership
Managing Principals average $180,000 and CEOs or Presidents $210,000. The gap is widest here: San Francisco Managing Principals average $215,000 and New York $185,000.
Get the full 2026 Salary Guide
105 roles across 11 locations, hiring trends for every market, and practical advice for your next pay conversation. Built from 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and insight from 65 recruitment experts. Free to download.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an architect in Los Angeles?
The average salary for an Architect in Los Angeles is approximately $118,000 per year. Entry-level Architects (0-3 yrs) earn around $70,000, rising to $100,000 at mid-career and $125,000+ at Senior Architect level. Managing Principals can earn $180,000 on average.
How is the architect salary data collected?
Our salary data draws on input from over 1,890 survey respondents, 1,200 recent placements, 3,000 job listings and insight from 65 recruitment experts.
Do architects earn more at large or small practices in Los Angeles?
Architects in Los Angeles typically earn more at larger practices, thanks to structured pay and bigger projects. But smaller studios offer broader experience, closer director access, more design influence and faster progression. Pay might be lower, but the hands-on exposure and autonomy can outweigh the difference, especially early in your career.
Are contractors paid more than permanent architects in Los Angeles?
Yes. Contract roles often pay 5-10% more than permanent ones. To find out more about contracting head here.
Which architecture sectors pay the most in Los Angeles?
Commercial, entertainment, and hospitality sectors often offer higher salaries than residential or cultural projects, reflecting LA’s unique mix of high-profile development and studio-driven design work.
Do architects in Los Angeles receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many architectural roles in Los Angeles offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions. See our full Los Angeles benefits benchmark for medical, 401k matching and paid time off by tier.
How do salaries for architects in Los Angeles compare to other US cities?
Architects in Los Angeles earn salaries broadly in line with New York, though the high cost of living means take-home pay can feel tighter. Salaries are typically above Austin and Dallas, and LA’s strong entertainment and luxury residential sectors create demand for specialist design talent at premium rates.
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