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Architectural Project Lead Salary in California

How much does an Architectural Project Lead make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Project Lead in California is $110,230 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $127,841
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,558 to $119,448
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $91,751
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architectural Project Lead Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Project Lead Salaries

An Architectural Project Lead'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 Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Project Lead'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): $90,687
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $108,310
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $132,239
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $153,988
  • Expert (over 8 years): $171,328
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
IT Project Manager I less than 1 year $90,687
Architectural Project Lead 1-2 years $108,310
IT Project Manager III 2-4 years $132,239
IT Project Manager IV 5-8 years $153,988
IT Project Manager V over 8 years $171,328

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

  • District of Columbia: $110,650.
  • California: $110,230.
  • Massachusetts: $108,761.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Project Lead

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: $110,420
  • West Hollywood: $110,340
  • Dodgertown: $110,419

Architectural Project Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural Project Lead 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 Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Project Lead positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Project Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural Project Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $137,788 $66.0 25%
Insurance $132,276 $64.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $126,765 $61.0 15%
Internet $126,765 $61.0 15%
Pharmaceuticals $126,765 $61.0 15%

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

Understanding how an Architectural Project Lead'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
$100,558
Average $110,230/year
$119,448
$8,380
Average $9,186/month
$9,954
$1,934
Average $2,120/week
$2,297
$48
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $119,448 $9,954 $2,297 $57
Average $110,230 $9,186 $2,120 $53
25th Percentile $100,558 $8,380 $1,934 $48

Find Your Next Architectural Project Lead Job

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

  • 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

    9 Days Ago

  • HDR | Los Angeles, CA

    Architectural Project Manager Health

    HDR | Los Angeles, CA

    At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empow... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Colliers Engineering & Design | Irvine, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    Colliers Engineering & Design | Irvine, CA

    OverviewMG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design is currently looking for an Architectural Project Manager - Banking to join our Client Programs ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • TCA Architects | Oakland, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    TCA Architects | Oakland, CA

    PROJECT MANAGER - OaklandFounded in 1993, TCA Architects specializes in the planning and design of next generation, high density multifamily housing, retai... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Luxus | Oakland, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    Luxus | Oakland, CA

    Project Architect - Multifamily & Mixed-UseLocation: Oakland, CA (Hybrid)Salary: $95,000 - $125,000 BonusSchedule: Hybrid (3 Days In-Office Thursday-Friday... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Stantec | Los Angeles, CA

    Architectural Project Manager

    Stantec | Los Angeles, CA

    Stantec Buildings is on a mission to become the world's leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, sustainability s... more

    9 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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