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Architectural Project Designer Salary in California

How much does an Architectural Project Designer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Project Designer in California is $103,046 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $122,284
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $94,413 to $113,116
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $86,554
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architectural Project Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Project Designer Salaries

An Architectural Project 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 Architectural Project Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Project 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): $67,460
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,927
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $100,948
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $120,763
  • Expert (over 8 years): $142,044
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect I less than 1 year $67,460
Architect II 1-2 years $81,927
Architectural Project Designer 2-4 years $100,948
Architect IV 5-8 years $120,763
Architect V over 8 years $142,044

How Do Architectural Project 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 Architectural Project Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $103,438.
  • California: $103,046.
  • Massachusetts: $101,673.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Project 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: $103,223
  • West Hollywood: $103,149
  • Dodgertown: $103,222

Architectural Project Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural Project Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Project Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Project Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural Project Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $128,807 $62.0 25%
Construction $113,350 $54.0 10%

Architectural Project Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architectural Project 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 August 01, 2026
$94,413
Average $103,046/year
$113,116
$7,868
Average $8,587/month
$9,426
$1,816
Average $1,982/week
$2,175
$45
Average $50/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $113,116 $9,426 $2,175 $54
Average $103,046 $8,587 $1,982 $50
25th Percentile $94,413 $7,868 $1,816 $45

Find Your Next Architectural Project Designer Job

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

  • Cingular HR | Santa Ana, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    Cingular HR | Santa Ana, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Architectural Project Manager. Location: Santa Ana, California (Onsite). Employment Type: Full-Time. Salary Ra... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Westside Build LLC | Santa Monica, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    Westside Build LLC | Santa Monica, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Full-Time   ·   Hybrid in Santa Monica   ·   Reports to the Managing Principal. About the Role. Westside Build, in partne... more

    1 Day Ago

  • PJHM Architects | Lake Forest, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    PJHM Architects | Lake Forest, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Industry.  Architecture. Employment Type: . Full-time. Pay Range. $80,000 - $100,000 per year + Discretionary Bonus.  . J... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Bevyhouse LLC | Ventura, CA

    Residential Architectural Project Manager

    Bevyhouse LLC | Ventura, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Health insurance. Paid time off. Vision insurance. 401(k). Architectural Project Manager. Salary Range.  $90,00... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Bevyhouse LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Residential Architectural Project Manager

    Bevyhouse LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Health insurance. Paid time off. Vision insurance. 401(k). Architectural Project Manager. Salary Range.  $90,00... more

    1 Day Ago

  • DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors | Irvine, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors | Irvine, CA

    We are currently seeking an energetic, confident, and highly motivated ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT MANAGER to join our Multifamily team in our Irvine, CA office.... more

    2 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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