Salary AI Book a Demo

Architectural/Structural Designer Salary in California

How much does an Architectural/Structural Designer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural/Structural Designer in California is $105,141 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $124,772
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $96,333 to $115,417
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,314
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architectural/Structural Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architectural/Structural Designer Salaries

An Architectural/Structural 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/Structural Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural/Structural 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): $68,832
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $83,593
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $103,000
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $123,219
  • Expert (over 8 years): $144,932
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect I less than 1 year $68,832
Architect II 1-2 years $83,593
Architectural/Structural Designer 2-4 years $103,000
Architect IV 5-8 years $123,219
Architect V over 8 years $144,932

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

  • District of Columbia: $105,542.
  • California: $105,141.
  • Massachusetts: $103,740.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural/Structural 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: $105,322
  • West Hollywood: $105,246
  • Dodgertown: $105,321

Architectural/Structural Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural/Structural 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/Structural Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural/Structural Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural/Structural Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $131,426 $63.0 25%
Construction $115,655 $56.0 10%

Architectural/Structural Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architectural/Structural 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
$96,333
Average $105,141/year
$115,417
$8,028
Average $8,762/month
$9,618
$1,853
Average $2,022/week
$2,220
$46
Average $51/hour
$55
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $115,417 $9,618 $2,220 $55
Average $105,141 $8,762 $2,022 $51
25th Percentile $96,333 $8,028 $1,853 $46

Find Your Next Architectural/Structural Designer Job

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

  • Drexel Building Supply | WRIGHTSTOWN, WI

    Truss Designer

    Drexel Building Supply | WRIGHTSTOWN, WI

    Description: The Drexel Way: We don’t just sell lumber. we Supply. Happiness. Drexel is Team Member-owned and community-driven. With six retail hubs and th... more

    5 Days Ago

  • SJS Executives LLC | EL PASO, TX

    Junior Interior Designer

    SJS Executives LLC | EL PASO, TX

    SJS Executives, LLC (SJS), also doing business as SJS Industrial, is currently seeking an experienced Junior Interior Designer to work full time, on-site, ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • SJS Executives LLC | EL PASO, TX

    Senior Interior Designer

    SJS Executives LLC | EL PASO, TX

    SJS Executives, LLC (SJS), also doing business as SJS Industrial, is currently seeking experienced Interior Designers to work full time for SJS Executives ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Sigma Technologies, Ltd. | KALAMAZOO, MI

    Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer

    Sigma Technologies, Ltd. | KALAMAZOO, MI

    Description: Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer Overhead Utility Pole Design • Joint-Use Engineering • NESC-Compliant Make-Ready Work Location: Kal... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Sigma Technologies, Ltd. | KANSAS CITY, MO

    Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer

    Sigma Technologies, Ltd. | KANSAS CITY, MO

    Description: Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer Overhead Utility Pole Design • Joint-Use Engineering • NESC-Compliant Make-Ready Work Location: Kan... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Powell Industries | TRAMMELLS, TX

    Electrical Designer

    Powell Industries | TRAMMELLS, TX

    Powell Industries is seeking an Electrical Designer to join our Engineering & Design team in the manufacturing industry. In this role, you will design and ... more

    5 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst