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Architecture Lead Salary in Illinois

How much does an Architecture Lead make in Illinois? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architecture Lead in Illinois is $139,223 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $155,958
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $129,459 to $147,983
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $120,570
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architecture Lead Job Openings in Illinois

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): $97,686
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $116,830
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $137,399
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $113,673
  • Expert (over 8 years): $150,169
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect III less than 1 year $97,686
Architect IV 1-2 years $116,830
Architecture Lead 2-4 years $137,399
Architect Supervisor 5-8 years $113,673
Architect Manager over 8 years $150,169

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:

  • Effingham: $128,336
  • Saint Peter: $128,160
  • Salem: $128,647

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 $167,068 $80.0 20%
Retail & Wholesale $153,145 $74.0 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
$129,459
Average $139,223/year
$147,983
$10,788
Average $11,602/month
$12,332
$2,490
Average $2,677/week
$2,846
$62
Average $67/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $147,983 $12,332 $2,846 $71
Average $139,223 $11,602 $2,677 $67
25th Percentile $129,459 $10,788 $2,490 $62

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.

  • GMA Architects Engineers | Chicago, IL

    Project Manager Architecture

    GMA Architects Engineers | Chicago, IL

    ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT MANAGER OR ARCHITECTWe're adding an Architectural Project Manager or Architect to join our team in Chicago. Because GMA is committed ... more

    17 Days Ago

  • RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture | Naperville, IL

    Project Manager

    RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture | Naperville, IL

    Project Manager - Landscape ArchitectureAt RVi, we advocate for nature, inspire creativity, tell captivating stories, and forge strong relationships to cre... more

    17 Days Ago

  • GMA Architects Engineers | Downers Grove, IL

    Project Manager Architecture

    GMA Architects Engineers | Downers Grove, IL

    Architectural Project ManagerWe're adding an Architectural Project Manager or Architect to join our team in Downers Grove. Because GMA is committed to crea... more

    17 Days Ago

  • Walker Consultants | Chicago, IL

    Senior Forensic Consultant

    Walker Consultants | Chicago, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Senior Forensic Consultant. Work Location. Chicago, Illinois or Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Employment Type. Full-Time .  ... more

    14 Days Ago

  • Culligan International | Des Plaines, IL

    Lead Cybersecurity Architecture&amp Operations

    Culligan International | Des Plaines, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Position. Lead, Cybersecurity Architecture & Operations. Supervisor. Global Chief Information Security Officer. Location.... more

    15 Days Ago

  • Dal-Tile | Chicago, IL

    Architecture Sales Rep and Design

    Dal-Tile | Chicago, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Dal-Tile is seeking a dynamic. Architectural Sales Rep. to increase the market. The. Architectural Sales Rep. is responsi... more

    15 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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