Architect and Design Manager Salary in the United States

How much does an Architect and Design Manager make in the United States? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architect and Design Manager in the United States is $124,594 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

However, an Architect and Design Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,425
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,574 to $133,404
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $99,720

Key Factors That Influence Architect and Design Manager Salaries

An Architect and Design Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Architect and Design Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architect and Design Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $125,834
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $102,054
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $122,759
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $151,896
  • Expert (over 8 years): $184,593
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Graphic Design Specialist V less than 1 year $125,834
Graphic Design Supervisor 1-2 years $102,054
Architect and Design Manager 2-4 years $122,759
Graphic Design Senior Manager 5-8 years $151,896
Graphic Design Director over 8 years $184,593

Top Paying Cities for Architect and Design Manager

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $157,150
  • San Francisco: $155,430
  • Oakland: $152,154

Architect and Design Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architect and Design Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Architect and Design Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architect and Design Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Architect and Design Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $149,513 $72.0 20%

Architect and Design Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architect and Design Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$111,574
Average $124,594/year
$133,404
$9,298
Average $10,383/month
$11,117
$2,146
Average $2,396/week
$2,565
$54
Average $60/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $133,404 $11,117 $2,565 $64
Average $124,594 $10,383 $2,396 $60
25th Percentile $111,574 $9,298 $2,146 $54

Most common benefits for Architect and Design Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Architect and Design Manager

Here are companies hiring for Architect and Design Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Architect and Design Manager Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Architect and Design Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Educational Solutions Company | Columbus, OH

    Educational Solutions Company | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Overview. Educational Solutions is seeking an innovative and dedicated Engineering and Design Instructor to ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Corporate One FCU | Columbus, OH

    Corporate One FCU | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a Marketing, Events, and Design Specialist to join our Marketing team. This role primarily offers the flex... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Turner & Townsend | Columbus, OH

    Turner & Townsend | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 ... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Spradlin Bros. Welding | Columbus, OH

    Spradlin Bros. Welding | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Overview. We are seeking a detail-oriented. CAD Designer / Estimator. to bridge technical design and project pricing.... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Jobot | Columbus, OH

    Jobot | Columbus, OH

    REMOTE - Sr. Director of Product Design (SaaS B2B Product Experience Required) - Up to $225k This Jobot Job is hosted by: Lisa Maloney Are you a fit. Easy ... more

    11 Days Ago

  • Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President of Design, Commercial Foodservice Design Consulting Operations. About the Company. Commercial foodservice design consulting firm with scalab... more

    11 Days Ago

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FAQ about Architect and Design Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Architect and Design Manager?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Architect and Design Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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