Architecture salaries
in Los Angeles - 2026
The average salary for an Architect in Los Angeles is $118,000 per year.
Find out how much Architects earn in 2026 in Los Angeles across all levels, from Architect to President. Trusted by top Los Angeles architecture firms.
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
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Architecture Salaries Los Angeles 2026
Architecture
| Job Title | $ Low | $ Avg | $ High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
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.
Yes. Contract roles often pay 5-10% more than permanent ones. To find out more about contracting head here.
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.
Many architectural roles in Los Angeles offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions.
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.
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.
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