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Architect Intern/Designer Salary in California

How much does an Architect Intern/Designer make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architect Intern/Designer in California is $68,323 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, an Architect Intern/Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,516
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,246 to $75,229
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,802
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architect Intern/Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architect Intern/Designer Salaries

An Architect Intern/Designer'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 Intern/Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architect Intern/Designer'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): $66,884
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,228
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $100,094
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $119,726
  • Expert (over 8 years): $140,813
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect Intern/Designer less than 1 year $66,884
Architect II 1-2 years $81,228
Architect III 2-4 years $100,094
Architect IV 5-8 years $119,726
Architect V over 8 years $140,813

How Do Architect Intern/Designer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Architect Intern/Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $68,583.
  • California: $68,323.
  • Massachusetts: $67,412.

Top Paying Cities for Architect Intern/Designer

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:

  • Los Angeles: $68,440
  • West Hollywood: $68,391
  • Dodgertown: $68,440

Architect Intern/Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architect Intern/Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Architect Intern/Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architect Intern/Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architect Intern/Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $85,403 $41.0 25%
Construction $81,987 $39.0 20%
Business Services $71,739 $34.0 5%

Architect Intern/Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architect Intern/Designer'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$61,246
Average $68,323/year
$75,229
$5,104
Average $5,694/month
$6,269
$1,178
Average $1,314/week
$1,447
$29
Average $33/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,229 $6,269 $1,447 $36
Average $68,323 $5,694 $1,314 $33
25th Percentile $61,246 $5,104 $1,178 $29

Find Your Next Architect Intern/Designer Job

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

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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