Architect Salary in Columbus

2026 compensation data for Architect positions in Columbus, OH. Ranges from $48,000 (entry-level) to $149,000 (senior). Median: $82,000.

Median (Mid)

$82,000

$39.42/hr

vs National

-8%

US: $89,000

COL Index

95

vs US avg = 100

Senior Max

$149,000

Top of band

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0–2 years)$48,000$67,000
$48KMedian: $58,000$67K
Mid-Level (3–5 years)$67,000$100,000
$67KMedian: $82,000$100K
Senior (6+ years)$98,000$149,000
$98KMedian: $119,000$149K

Detailed Compensation Breakdown

LevelAnnual MinAnnual MedianAnnual MaxHourly (Median)
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs)$48,000$58,000$67,000$27.88/hr
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs)$67,000$82,000$100,000$39.42/hr
Senior (6+ yrs)$98,000$119,000$149,000$57.21/hr

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What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Columbus

A mid-level architect earning $82,000 in Columbus has the same buying power as $86,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 95).

Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.

About Architect Salaries in Columbus

Design and oversee construction of buildings, balancing aesthetic vision, structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and client requirements. This page covers architect compensation specifically in Columbus, OH.

The median architect salary in Columbus, OH is $82,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 8% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 95 (national average = 100), Columbus offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.

Entry-level architects in Columbus can expect to earn between $48,000 and $67,000 (about $27.88/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $149,000 ($149K annually, or about $71.63/hour).

These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Columbus.

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Columbus

What is the average Architect salary in Columbus?+

The average Architect salary in Columbus is $82,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $58,000 and senior-level pay reaches $119,000.

How much does an entry-level architect make in Columbus?+

Entry-level architects in Columbus earn between $48,000 and $67,000, with a median of $58,000 per year (about $27.88/hour).

What is the hourly rate for a Architect in Columbus?+

Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Architect in Columbus earns roughly $27.88/hour at entry-level, $39.42/hour at mid-level, and $57.21/hour at senior-level.

Is the Architect salary in Columbus higher than the US average?+

Architect salaries in Columbus are about 8% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.

Does this include bonuses or equity?+

No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.

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