Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary in California
The median pay for a architects, except landscape and naval in California is $105,840/year ($50.88/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $181K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $106K get you in California?
About architects, except landscape and navals
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level architects, except landscape and navals (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $106K.Top earners bring in $181K or more - a $115K spread from bottom to top.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $114K | +18% | 1,340 |
| Wyoming | $107K | +11% | 110 |
| Rhode Island | $107K | +11% | 410 |
| California | $106K | +9% | 13,880 |
| Alaska | $105K | +9% | 160 |
| Connecticut | $105K | +9% | 1,180 |
| South Dakota | $102K | +6% | 180 |
| Massachusetts | $102K | +5% | 4,790 |
| Nevada | $102K | +5% | 500 |
| Georgia | $101K | +4% | 2,630 |
| Hawaii | $100K | +4% | 500 |
| Maryland | $99K | +3% | 1,870 |
| New York | $99K | +2% | 10,930 |
| New Hampshire | $98K | +1% | 350 |
| New Jersey | $98K | +1% | 2,430 |
Track architects, except landscape and naval salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
Related careers in Engineering
Frequently asked questions
How much do architects, except landscape and navals make in California?
The median is $105,840 a year - that works out to about $50.88 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,660, and experienced architects, except landscape and navals can clear $181,110. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $106K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,405/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 34.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a architects, except landscape and naval salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median architects, except landscape and naval salary is worth about $105,840 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do architects, except landscape and navals get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.