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Architectural Design Assistant Salary in California

How much does an Architectural Design Assistant make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Design Assistant in California is $70,728 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, an Architectural Design Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,140
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,945 to $79,318
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,859
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architectural Design Assistant Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Design Assistant Salaries

An Architectural Design Assistant'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 Architectural Design Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Design Assistant'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): $68,938
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $79,989
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $96,252
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,779
  • Expert (over 8 years): $130,450
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architectural Design Assistant less than 1 year $68,938
Executive Assistant II 1-2 years $79,989
Executive Assistant III 2-4 years $96,252
Executive Assistant IV 5-8 years $108,779
Executive Assistant V over 8 years $130,450

How Do Architectural Design Assistant 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 Architectural Design Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $70,997.
  • California: $70,728.
  • Massachusetts: $69,785.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Design Assistant

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: $70,850
  • West Hollywood: $70,799
  • Dodgertown: $70,849

Architectural Design Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural Design Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 44% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Design Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Design Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural Design Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $86,288 $41.0 22%
Energy & Utilities $81,337 $39.0 15%
Pharmaceuticals $80,630 $39.0 14%
Healthcare $79,215 $38.0 12%
Telecom $77,801 $37.0 10%

Architectural Design Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architectural Design Assistant'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
$62,945
Average $70,728/year
$79,318
$5,245
Average $5,894/month
$6,610
$1,210
Average $1,360/week
$1,525
$30
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,318 $6,610 $1,525 $38
Average $70,728 $5,894 $1,360 $34
25th Percentile $62,945 $5,245 $1,210 $30

Find Your Next Architectural Design Assistant Job

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

  • SAMYANG AMERICA INC | Brea, CA

    Assistant Manager of Production Design

    SAMYANG AMERICA INC | Brea, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About Samyang America. Samyang America stands as the #1 Gen Z brand, boldly shaping the future of food culture with innov... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Good American | Beverly Hills, CA

    Technical Design Assistant

    Good American | Beverly Hills, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Good American is the first fully inclusive fashion brand that celebrates all dimensions of female power. Offering quality... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Short Story | San Francisco, CA

    Technical Design Assistant

    Short Story | San Francisco, CA

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    3 Days Ago

  • Legacy Staffing | Bakersfield, CA

    Graphic Design Assistant

    Legacy Staffing | Bakersfield, CA

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    4 Days Ago

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    Denim Design Assistant

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    Design Manager Assistant

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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