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Architecture Lead Salary in California

How much does an Architecture Lead make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architecture Lead in California is $150,655 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $168,765
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $140,090 to $160,135
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $130,470
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architecture Lead Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architecture Lead Salaries

An Architecture 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 Architecture Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architecture 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): $105,707
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $126,423
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $148,681
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $123,007
  • Expert (over 8 years): $162,500
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect III less than 1 year $105,707
Architect IV 1-2 years $126,423
Architecture Lead 2-4 years $148,681
Architect Supervisor 5-8 years $123,007
Architect Manager over 8 years $162,500

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

  • District of Columbia: $151,229.
  • California: $150,655.
  • Massachusetts: $148,648.

Top Paying Cities for Architecture 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: $150,915
  • West Hollywood: $150,806
  • Dodgertown: $150,914

Architecture Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architecture Lead 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 Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Retail & Wholesale sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Architecture Lead positions in Business Services or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architecture Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architecture Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $180,787 $87.0 20%
Retail & Wholesale $165,721 $80.0 10%

Architecture Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architecture 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 October 01, 2026
$140,090
Average $150,655/year
$160,135
$11,674
Average $12,555/month
$13,345
$2,694
Average $2,897/week
$3,080
$67
Average $72/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $160,135 $13,345 $3,080 $77
Average $150,655 $12,555 $2,897 $72
25th Percentile $140,090 $11,674 $2,694 $67

Find Your Next Architecture Lead Job

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

  • RRM Design Group | San Juan Capistrano, CA

    Architecture Project Manager

    RRM Design Group | San Juan Capistrano, CA

    Architecture Project Manager. Are you an experienced architect with a passion for designing impactful civic, public safety, or educational spaces. RRM Desi... more

    9 Days Ago

  • ALIGCUS Inc | San Gabriel, CA

    Assistant Director of Architecture

    ALIGCUS Inc | San Gabriel, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Job description. ALIGCUS Construction is hiring an Assistant Director of Architecture Department. Job Description. 1. Res... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Protiviti | San Francisco, CA

    Security Architecture Manager

    Protiviti | San Francisco, CA

    JOB REQUISITIONSecurity Architecture ManagerLOCATIONNEW YORK CITYADDITIONAL LOCATION(S)LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCOJOB DESCRIPTIONYou Belong HereThe Protivit... more

    10 Days Ago

  • NVIDIA | Santa Clara, CA

    Manager SoC Architecture

    NVIDIA | Santa Clara, CA

    We are now looking for a Manager, SoC Architecture. NVIDIA is seeking an exceptional manager for our Tegra Architecture Team to drive the development of fu... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Illumio | Sunnyvale, CA

    Senior Engineering Manager Architecture

    Illumio | Sunnyvale, CA

    Onwards Together. Illumio is the leader in ransomware and breach containment, redefining how organizations contain cyberattacks and enable operational resi... more

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  • WATG | Los Angeles, CA

    Senior Project Manager

    WATG | Los Angeles, CA

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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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