Architecture Design Director Salary in Washington

How much does an Architecture Design Director make in Washington? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architecture Design Director in Washington is $199,854 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $96.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $233,246
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $183,946 to $217,333
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $169,463

Key Factors That Influence Architecture Design Director Salaries

An Architecture 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 Architecture Design Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architecture 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): $123,615
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $145,387
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $120,257
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $158,854
  • Expert (over 8 years): $196,213
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect IV less than 1 year $123,615
Architect V 1-2 years $145,387
Architect Supervisor 2-4 years $120,257
Architect Manager 5-8 years $158,854
Architecture Design Director over 8 years $196,213

Top Paying Cities for Architecture 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:

  • Auburn: $199,609
  • Federal Way: $199,522
  • Bellevue: $203,623

Architecture Design Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architecture 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, Architecture Design Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architecture Design Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architecture Design Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $239,825 $115.0 20%
Business Services $219,839 $106.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Architecture 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
$183,946
Average $199,854/year
$217,333
$15,329
Average $16,654/month
$18,111
$3,537
Average $3,843/week
$4,179
$88
Average $96/hour
$104
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $217,333 $18,111 $4,179 $104
Average $199,854 $16,654 $3,843 $96
25th Percentile $183,946 $15,329 $3,537 $88

Find Your Next Architecture Design Director Job

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

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    A leading design firm is seeking a Design Program Director to oversee client projects in Seattle or remotely.The role requires strong leadership skills, pr... more

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    Shield AI | Seattle, WA

    Job Description. Job Description. Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with inte... more

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  • MAKERS architecture and urban design LLP | Seattle, WA

    MAKERS architecture and urban design LLP | Seattle, WA

    Job Description. Job Description. MAKERS architecture and urban design, LLP.  is seeking an organized, independent, and collaborative individual for our fa... more

    4 Days Ago

  • DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors | Bellevue, WA

    DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors | Bellevue, WA

    Job Description. Job Description. DAHLIN . is a diverse, award-winning architecture, planning, and interiors firm practice with offices located throughout ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Guidehouse | CRYSTAL, VA

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