Architect Salary in Los Angeles
2026 compensation data for Architect positions in Los Angeles, CA. Ranges from $60,000 (entry-level) to $184,000 (senior). Median: $101,000.
Median (Mid)
$101,000
$48.56/hr
vs National
-8%
US: $110,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$184,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $60,000 | $71,000 | $83,000 | $34.13/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $83,000 | $101,000 | $124,000 | $48.56/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $121,000 | $147,000 | $184,000 | $70.67/hr |
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Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Los Angeles
A mid-level architect earning $101,000 in Los Angeles has the same buying power as $67,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 150).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Architect Salaries in Los Angeles
Design and oversee construction of buildings, balancing aesthetic vision, structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and client requirements. This page covers architect compensation specifically in Los Angeles, CA.
The median architect salary in Los Angeles, CA is $101,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 8% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Los Angeles offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level architects in Los Angeles can expect to earn between $60,000 and $83,000 (about $34.13/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $184,000 ($184K annually, or about $88.46/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 Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Los Angeles
What is the average Architect salary in Los Angeles?+
The average Architect salary in Los Angeles is $101,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $71,000 and senior-level pay reaches $147,000.
How much does an entry-level architect make in Los Angeles?+
Entry-level architects in Los Angeles earn between $60,000 and $83,000, with a median of $71,000 per year (about $34.13/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Architect in Los Angeles?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Architect in Los Angeles earns roughly $34.13/hour at entry-level, $48.56/hour at mid-level, and $70.67/hour at senior-level.
Is the Architect salary in Los Angeles higher than the US average?+
Architect salaries in Los Angeles 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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