Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
The median pay for a architects, except landscape and naval in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $118,410/year ($56.93/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $79K at the entry level to $179K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $105,827 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 41.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $118K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About architects, except landscape and navals
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level architects, except landscape and navals (10th percentile) start around $79K. Mid-career wages sit at $118K.Top earners bring in $179K or more - a $100K 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do architects, except landscape and navals make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $118,410 a year - that works out to about $56.93 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $78,870, and experienced architects, except landscape and navals can clear $178,620. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $118K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,045/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 42.6% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median architects, except landscape and naval salary is worth about $105,827 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.