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Architectural Design Director Salary in District of Columbia

How much does an Architectural Design Director make in District of Columbia? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Design Director in District of Columbia is $196,867 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $229,761
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $181,197 to $214,085
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $166,930
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architectural Design Director Job Openings in District of Columbia

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Design Director Salaries

An Architectural Design Director'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 Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Design Director'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): $121,767
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $143,214
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $118,459
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $156,480
  • Expert (over 8 years): $193,280
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect IV less than 1 year $121,767
Architect V 1-2 years $143,214
Architect Supervisor 2-4 years $118,459
Architect Manager 5-8 years $156,480
Architectural Design Director over 8 years $193,280

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

  • District of Columbia: $196,867.
  • California: $196,120.
  • Massachusetts: $193,506.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Design Director

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $195,798
  • Washington: $195,800
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $195,791

Architectural Design Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural Design Director 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 Energy & Utilities and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Design Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Design Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural Design Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $236,240 $114.0 20%
Business Services $216,553 $104.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Architectural Design Director'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
$181,197
Average $196,867/year
$214,085
$15,100
Average $16,406/month
$17,840
$3,485
Average $3,786/week
$4,117
$87
Average $95/hour
$103
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $214,085 $17,840 $4,117 $103
Average $196,867 $16,406 $3,786 $95
25th Percentile $181,197 $15,100 $3,485 $87

Find Your Next Architectural Design Director Job

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

  • CenterCal Properties | COSTA MESA, CA

    Architectural Design Manager

    CenterCal Properties | COSTA MESA, CA

    Incredible opportunity to be part of an amazing portfolio and team. Based in El Segundo, CA, we are currently seeking an. Architectural Design Manager. who... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Homoly Design + Build | KANSAS CITY, MO

    Lead Architectural Designer

    Homoly Design + Build | KANSAS CITY, MO

    Position Summary. The Lead Architectural Designer serves as the primary design professional during the preconstruction phase of luxury custom home projects... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Travel + Leisure Co. | ORLANDO, FL

    Director of Development Design and Construction

    Travel + Leisure Co. | ORLANDO, FL

    Job Description. The. Director, Development, Design, and Construction. leads strategic initiatives and oversees Development Projects and Project Managers t... more

    6 Days Ago

  • TeamBradley, Inc. | FREMONT, CA

    Pacific

    TeamBradley, Inc. | FREMONT, CA

    The Short Scoop. My client, a specialized building products manufacturer serving commercial and residential construction, is looking for a self-directed sp... more

    4 Days Ago

  • TeamBradley, Inc. | ALAMEDA, CA

    Pacific

    TeamBradley, Inc. | ALAMEDA, CA

    The Short Scoop. My client, a specialized building products manufacturer serving commercial and residential construction, is looking for a self-directed sp... more

    4 Days Ago

  • TeamBradley, Inc. | SAN JOSE, CA

    Pacific

    TeamBradley, Inc. | SAN JOSE, CA

    The Short Scoop. My client, a specialized building products manufacturer serving commercial and residential construction, is looking for a self-directed sp... more

    4 Days Ago

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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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