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Architectural Designer (Level) Salary in California

How much does an Architectural Designer (Level) make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Designer (Level) in California is $72,963 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, an Architectural Designer (Level)'s salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,269
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,065 to $84,639
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,054
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architectural Designer (Level) Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Designer (Level) Salaries

An Architectural Designer (Level)'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 Designer (Level) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Designer (Level)'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): $70,530
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $86,391
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $104,702
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $143,628
  • Expert (over 8 years): $174,338
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architectural Designer (Level) less than 1 year $70,530
Motion Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $86,391
Motion Graphic Design Specialist III 2-4 years $104,702
Motion Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $143,628
Motion Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $174,338

How Do Architectural Designer (Level) 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 Designer (Level)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $73,241.
  • California: $72,963.
  • Massachusetts: $71,990.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Designer (Level)

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: $73,088
  • West Hollywood: $73,036
  • Dodgertown: $73,088

Architectural Designer (Level) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural Designer (Level) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Designer (Level) positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Designer (Level) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural Designer (Level)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $102,148 $49.0 40%
Software & Networking $98,500 $47.0 35%
Financial Services $94,852 $46.0 30%
Biotechnology $91,203 $44.0 25%
Internet $87,555 $42.0 20%

Architectural Designer (Level) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architectural Designer (Level)'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
$63,065
Average $72,963/year
$84,639
$5,255
Average $6,080/month
$7,053
$1,213
Average $1,403/week
$1,628
$30
Average $35/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,639 $7,053 $1,628 $41
Average $72,963 $6,080 $1,403 $35
25th Percentile $63,065 $5,255 $1,213 $30

Find Your Next Architectural Designer (Level) Job

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

  • 10design | San Francisco, CA

    Senior Architectural Designer

    10design | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. 10 Design, part of Egis Group, is an international architecture and master planning practice with of... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Sawhorse Productions | Los Angeles, CA

    Roblox Level Designer

    Sawhorse Productions | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Timeline Design + Build | Saratoga, CA

    Architectural&amp Interior Designer

    Timeline Design + Build | Saratoga, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Overview. As a Designer, you will be responsible for creating innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing design s... more

    9 Days Ago

  • ZGF Architects | Los Angeles, CA

    Entry

    ZGF Architects | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. ZGF is seeking a dynamic and well-rounded. Entry-Level Interior Architect / Designer. to join our team in our. Los Angele... more

    7 Days Ago

  • PGAL | Los Angeles, CA

    Mid

    PGAL | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. PGAL is a national design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, engineering, and planning for a diverse group of ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • PGAL | San Diego, CA

    Mid

    PGAL | San Diego, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. PGAL is a national design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, engineering, and planning for a diverse group of ... more

    7 Days Ago

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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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