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Architecture Project Lead Salary in the United States

How much does an Architecture Project Lead make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architecture Project Lead in the United States is $138,747 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $158,386
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $129,951 to $149,027
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $121,943
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architecture Project Lead Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Architecture Project Lead Salaries

An Architecture Project 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 Project Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architecture Project 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): $96,089
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $117,312
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $136,606
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $151,998
  • Expert (over 8 years): $118,994
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
IT Project Manager II less than 1 year $96,089
IT Project Manager III 1-2 years $117,312
Architecture Project Lead 2-4 years $136,606
IT Project Manager V 5-8 years $151,998
IT Project Management and Delivery Supervisor over 8 years $118,994

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

  • District of Columbia: $153,621.
  • California: $153,038.
  • Massachusetts: $150,998.

Top Paying Cities for Architecture Project 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:

  • San Jose: $175,002
  • San Francisco: $173,085
  • Oakland: $169,438

Architecture Project Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architecture Project Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Architecture Project Lead positions in Biotechnology or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architecture Project Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architecture Project Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $159,559 $77.0 15%
Energy & Utilities $152,622 $73.0 10%
Telecom $148,459 $71.0 7%
Retail & Wholesale $147,072 $71.0 6%
Chemicals $145,684 $70.0 5%

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

Understanding how an Architecture Project 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$129,951
Average $138,747/year
$149,027
$10,829
Average $11,562/month
$12,419
$2,499
Average $2,668/week
$2,866
$62
Average $67/hour
$72
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $149,027 $12,419 $2,866 $72
Average $138,747 $11,562 $2,668 $67
25th Percentile $129,951 $10,829 $2,499 $62

Most common benefits for Architecture Project Lead

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Architecture Project Lead

Here are companies hiring for Architecture Project Lead and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Architecture Project Lead Job

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

  • PM Design Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Studio Lead Commercial&amp Retail Architecture

    PM Design Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. As a Studio Lead, you aren't just managing projects—you are a local pillar of leadership. You will drive studio efficienc... more

    7 Days Ago

  • iRiS Recruiting Solutions | Columbus, OH

    Project Manager

    iRiS Recruiting Solutions | Columbus, OH

    Title. Project Manager – Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences. Location. Columbus, OH (flexible work environment). Compensation. $110K–$140K base + bonus + vehic... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Congruex | Columbus, OH

    Project Estimator

    Congruex | Columbus, OH

    Job Title. Multiple Positions- Project Estimator, Underground Civil or OSP or Engineering. Location. Columbus, OH, 43081. Other Location- Remote. Travel Po... more

    6 Days Ago

  • FirstOption Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Project Manager

    FirstOption Staffing | Columbus, OH

    As identified and assigned What We Are Looking For. High school diploma or GED with experience required, associate or bachelors degree preferred. Certified... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Clayco | Columbus, OH

    Project Manager

    Clayco | Columbus, OH

    Project ManagerClayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely del... more

    7 Days Ago

  • EMCOR Group | Columbus, OH

    Project Manager

    EMCOR Group | Columbus, OH

    Project Manager, Construction (Mechanical)The Project Manager assists the company in meeting its objectives and goals by leading and directing the project ... more

    7 Days Ago

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FAQ about Architecture Project Lead

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Architecture Project Lead?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Architecture Project Lead roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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