Architects (Except Landscape and Naval) Salary in California
Architects (Except Landscape and Naval) in California earn a median of $108,540 a year, +9% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $108,540
- vs. U.S. median
- +9% ($99,280)
- Rank among states
- 5 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 13,270
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $75,640; the top 10% earn over $171,160. Nationally the range is $62,300 to $161,420.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Landscape Architects$98,380 median in California
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$76,520 median in California
- Civil Engineers$122,500 median in California
- Transportation Engineers$122,500 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Wind Energy Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers$131,540 median in California (broader BLS group)
Architects (Except Landscape and Naval) pay in California
How much do architects (except landscape and naval) make in California?
The median is $108,540 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $75,640 and the top 10% earn over $171,160. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for architects (except landscape and naval)?
On pay alone it ranks 5 of 51 (+9% vs. the national median of $99,280). Living costs are not included.