Architecture and interior design salaries
in San Francisco in 2026
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
Architecture and Design
Salary Calculator 2026
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How much do architecture and design professionals earn in San Francisco?
Architecture and design salaries in San Francisco range from $50,000 for an entry-level support role to $260,000 for an interior design principal in 2026. Senior architects average $135,000 and senior interior designers $138,000, with Managing Principals at $215,000 - the highest of the US markets we benchmark. All figures are USD base salaries excluding bonus.
Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
San Francisco salary tables 2026
Base annual salaries in USD, excluding bonus. Roles marked * typically earn commission or bonus on top. Benchmark your own salary with our calculator, or go deeper with our dedicated architecture and interior design guides.
Showing annual base salaries, excluding bonus.
Architecture salaries in San Francisco
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architect (0-3 yrs) | $68,000 | $70,000 | $75,000 | |
| Architect (3-6 yrs) | $77,000 | $90,000 | $95,000 | |
| Architect (6-9 yrs) | $92,000 | $105,000 | $118,000 | |
| Senior Architect (10+ yrs) | $120,000 | $135,000 | $155,000 | |
| Project Manager (5-10 yrs) | $105,000 | $120,000 | $130,000 | |
| Project Manager (10+ yrs) | $130,000 | $145,000 | $170,000 | |
| Visualiser | $60,000 | $70,000 | $90,000 | |
| Senior Visualiser | $75,000 | $97,000 | $115,000 | |
| BIM Coordinator | $85,000 | $95,000 | $105,000 | |
| BIM Manager | $110,000 | $125,000 | $145,000 | |
| Managing Principal | $175,000 | $215,000 | $235,000 | |
| CEO / President | $160,000 | $190,000 | $220,000 |
Interior design salaries in San Francisco
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Architect (0-3 yrs) | $62,000 | $66,000 | $74,000 | |
| Interior Architect (4-7 yrs) | $74,000 | $87,000 | $97,000 | |
| Interior Architect (8+ yrs) | $92,000 | $102,000 | $130,000 | |
| Interior Designer (0-3 yrs) | $60,000 | $66,000 | $75,000 | |
| Interior Designer (4-7 yrs) | $72,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 | |
| Interior Designer (8-11 yrs) | $95,000 | $107,000 | $130,000 | |
| Interior Designer (12+ yrs) | $115,000 | $138,000 | $150,000 | |
| Project Manager | $90,000 | $108,000 | $135,000 | |
| FF&E Specialist | $85,000 | $105,000 | $120,000 | |
| Director of Design / Studio Director | $130,000 | $155,000 | $220,000 | |
| Principal | $175,000 | $210,000 | $260,000 |
Business support salaries in San Francisco
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admin Assistant | $55,000 | $66,000 | $72,000 | |
| Executive Assistant | $70,000 | $88,000 | $105,000 | |
| Studio / Office Manager | $80,000 | $95,000 | $110,000 | |
| HR Coordinator | $60,000 | $68,000 | $77,000 | |
| HR Manager | $82,000 | $97,000 | $125,000 | |
| HR Director | $118,000 | $133,000 | $185,000 | |
| IT Support | $80,000 | $85,000 | $95,000 | |
| Project Accountant | $70,000 | $85,000 | $110,000 | |
| Bookkeeper | $65,000 | $75,000 | $100,000 | |
| Financial Director / CFO | $130,000 | $155,000 | $180,000 | |
| PR / Communications Manager | $82,000 | $92,000 | $112,000 | |
| Graphic Designer | $70,000 | $82,000 | $92,000 | |
| Marketing Coordinator | $76,000 | $85,000 | $90,000 | |
| Marketing Manager | $97,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | |
| Marketing Director | $120,000 | $138,000 | $180,000 | |
| Business Development Director | $120,000 | $140,000 | $195,000 | |
| Managing Director / Director of Operations | $150,000 | $170,000 | $200,000 |
Architectural & Interior Products salaries in San Francisco
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Coordinator / Assistant | $50,000 | $65,000 | $85,000 | |
| Design Sales Consultant* | $65,000 | $75,000 | $90,000 | |
| Showroom / Sales Manager* | $80,000 | $95,000 | $115,000 | |
| Logistics Manager | $75,000 | $90,000 | $105,000 | |
| Estimator | $70,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 | |
| Project Manager | $95,000 | $110,000 | $150,000 | |
| Outside Sales Representative* | $75,000 | $100,000 | $130,000 | |
| Regional Sales Manager* | $90,000 | $105,000 | $150,000 | |
| Business Development Manager* | $115,000 | $130,000 | $180,000 |
Landscape architecture salaries in San Francisco
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jnr Landscape Designer (0-5 yrs) | $65,000 | $70,000 | $80,000 | |
| Landscape Designer (6-9 yrs) | $82,000 | $94,000 | $105,000 | |
| Snr Landscape Architect (10+ yrs) | $100,000 | $122,500 | $140,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
How San Francisco 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 San Francisco salaries in 2026
Entry level
Architects at 0-3 years average $70,000 and Interior Designers $66,000. This is San Francisco’s softest point relative to peers - entry pay sits level with LA and just below New York, before the market pulls ahead at senior level.
Mid-career
Architects at 6-9 years average $105,000, level with New York and ahead of LA. Project Managers at 5-10 years earn $120,000 and Senior Visualisers $97,000, reflecting strong demand for delivery and visualisation skills.
Senior
Senior Architects at 10+ years average $135,000, level with New York. Interior Designers at 12+ years average $138,000, the highest senior design figure of the US markets we benchmark.
Leadership
Managing Principals average $215,000, ahead of New York ($185,000) and LA ($180,000). Interestingly, CEOs and Presidents average less at $190,000 - in San Francisco the principal track tops the pay ladder. Interior design Principals reach $260,000.
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 are the highest-paying architecture and design jobs in San Francisco?
Managing Principals in architecture pay the most in San Francisco at $175,000 to $235,000, ahead of CEOs and Presidents at $160,000 to $220,000. In interior design, Principals reach $175,000 to $260,000 and Directors of Design $130,000 to $220,000. On the business side, CFOs, Marketing Directors and Business Development Directors all reach $180,000 to $195,000.
How much do architects earn in San Francisco?
Architects in San Francisco start at $68,000 to $75,000 at 0-3 years, rising to $105,000 at 6-9 years and $135,000 at Senior Architect level. Managing Principals average $215,000, the highest of the US markets we benchmark, and CEOs or Presidents average $190,000.
How much do interior designers earn in San Francisco?
Interior designers in San Francisco start at $60,000 to $75,000 at 0-3 years, rising to $107,000 at 8-11 years and $138,000 at 12+ years. Directors of Design average $155,000 and Principals $210,000, with a top of $260,000 - the highest interior design ceiling of the US markets we benchmark.
How do San Francisco salaries compare to New York and Los Angeles?
San Francisco leads at the top of the ladder and trails slightly at entry level. Managing Principals average $215,000 against $185,000 in New York and $180,000 in LA. At entry level, architects average $70,000, level with LA and $5,000 below New York. Mid-career and senior figures are close to New York and ahead of LA.
How is the 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.
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Benefits at San Francisco architecture and design practices
Salary is only part of the package. Alongside the salary tables, we benchmark the benefits San Francisco architecture and design practices offer at three levels, based on our 2026 survey of 1,890 professionals. Use it to weigh up a full offer, or to see where your firm’s package stands against the market.
Health and wellbeing benefits
| Benefit | Standard | Enhanced | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical coverage | 80% firm / 20% emp. contrib. | 100% coverage | 100% coverage (dependents inc.) |
| Dental / vision | Plan offered (no contrib.) | 100% coverage | 100% coverage (dependents inc.) |
| Healthcare flexible spending account (HSA) | - | ||
| Long-term disability insurance | - | ||
| Life insurance | - | ||
| Employee assistance program (EAP) | - | ||
| Wellness program | - | ||
| Fitness club discount | - | - | |
| Pet insurance | - | - |
Career development benefits
| Benefit | Standard | Enhanced | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional exam costs | Assistance | Reimbursement | PTO & reimbursement |
| Membership and licensure fees | - | Paid annual dues | Paid annual dues |
| Professional development program | - | ||
| Mentorship program | - | - |
Work-life balance benefits
| Benefit | Standard | Enhanced | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid time off (vacation, holidays and sick leave) | 25 days | 30 days | 40 days |
| Commuter benefits program | |||
| Flexible / hybrid working arrangements | - | ||
| Flexible working hours | - | ||
| Summer hours program | - | ||
| Short-term work from anywhere option | - | - | |
| Extended parental leave | - | - |
Workplace perks
| Benefit | Standard | Enhanced | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid charity / volunteer day | - | - |
Financial benefits
| Benefit | Standard | Enhanced | Outstanding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement savings plan (401k) | Plan offered (no contrib.) | 1-3% matching contrib. | 4%+ matching contrib. |
| Discretionary annual bonus | |||
| Discretionary profit share | - | ||
| Relocation bonus | - | - |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide survey. Individual firms vary; use the tiers as a guide to what the San Francisco market offers, not a guarantee of any single employer’s package.
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