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Architecture Lead Salary in District of Columbia

How much does an Architecture Lead make in District of Columbia? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architecture Lead in District of Columbia is $151,229 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $169,408
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $140,623 to $160,744
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $130,967
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architecture Lead Job Openings in District of Columbia

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): $106,110
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $126,905
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $149,247
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $123,476
  • Expert (over 8 years): $163,119
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect III less than 1 year $106,110
Architect IV 1-2 years $126,905
Architecture Lead 2-4 years $149,247
Architect Supervisor 5-8 years $123,476
Architect Manager over 8 years $163,119

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $150,408
  • Washington: $150,410
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $150,403

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 $181,475 $87.0 20%
Retail & Wholesale $166,352 $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
$140,623
Average $151,229/year
$160,744
$11,719
Average $12,602/month
$13,395
$2,704
Average $2,908/week
$3,091
$68
Average $73/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $160,744 $13,395 $3,091 $77
Average $151,229 $12,602 $2,908 $73
25th Percentile $140,623 $11,719 $2,704 $68

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.

  • 2Twelve Recruiting, LLC | Washington, DC

    K-12 Practice Director - Architecture (Hybrid)

    2Twelve Recruiting, LLC | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. K-12 Practice Director - Architecture (Hybrid). We are partnering with an established, multi-disciplinary architecture fi... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Confidential | Washington, D.C., DC

    Chief Executive Officer Architecture

    Confidential | Washington, D.C., DC

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Architecture. About the Company. Growth-oriented architecture organization uniting established firms while preserving cultur... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Grafana Labs | Washington, DC

    Director Observability Architecture

    Grafana Labs | Washington, DC

    Director, Observability ArchitectureGrafana Labs is a remote-first, open-source powerhouse.There are more than 20 million users of Grafana, the open source... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Jobs for Lebanon | Washington, DC

    Architecture and Interior Design Internship

    Jobs for Lebanon | Washington, DC

    Job DescriptionBitarchitects is excited to announce the 10th edition of its international Spring 2026 Architecture and Interior Design Internship Program, ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Ippon Technologies | Washington, DC

    Head of AI Product&amp Architecture Consulting

    Ippon Technologies | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. We’re hiring a Head of AI Product & Architecture Consulting. Employment Type: Full-Time/Direct Hire. Location: Richmond, ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Ware Malcomb | Washington, DC

    Regional Director Office Leader

    Ware Malcomb | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. Are you ready to join a growth-oriented team where creativity meets innovation. At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and for... more

    4 Days Ago

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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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