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Design Architect Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Design Architect Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Architect Manager in the United States is $143,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.

However, a Design Architect Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $175,131
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $131,700 to $160,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $120,684

Key Factors That Influence Design Architect Manager Salaries

A Design Architect Manager'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 Design Architect Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Design Architect Manager'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:

  • Design Architect, Specialist (7+ years): $111,857
  • Design Architect, Master (7-10 years): $131,558
  • Architect Team Leader (10+ years): $108,818
  • Design Architect Manager (10+ years): $143,744
  • Architectural Team Manager (10+ years): $177,549
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Design Architect, Specialist7+ years$111,857
Design Architect, Master7-10 years$131,558
Architect Team Leader10+ years$108,818
Design Architect Manager10+ years$143,744
Architectural Team Manager10+ years$177,549

Top Paying Cities for Design Architect Managers

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: $181,400
  • San Francisco: $179,400
  • Oakland: $175,600

Design Architect Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Design Architect Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $156,231. While startup companies pay approximate $132,404.

Design Architect Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $132,404
Growth Stage 51~500 $139,970
Established 501~5000 $150,935
Enterprise 5000+ $156,231

Design Architect Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Design Architect Manager 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 Energy & Utilities and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Design Architect Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design Architect Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Design Architect Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$172,560$83.020%
Business Services$158,180$76.010%

Design Architect Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Design Architect Manager'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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$131,700
Average $143,800/year
$160,200
$10,975
Average $11,983/month
$13,350
$2,533
Average $2,765/week
$3,081
$63
Average $69/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $160,200 $13,350 $3,081 $77
Average $143,800 $11,983 $2,765 $69
25th Percentile $131,700 $10,975 $2,533 $63

Design Architect Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Design Architect Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Architectural Team Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $177,600 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Design Architect Manager

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

Common company salaries for Design Architect Manager

Here are companies hiring for Design Architect Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Design Architect Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Design Architect Manager?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Design Architect Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What degree do you need to be an architectural project manager?

To become an architectural project manager, you typically need a bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering, along with a master's degree in architecture. This role requires a solid understanding of both fields to ensure compliance with all regulations. The salary for a Design Architect Manager ranges from $122,800 to $171,000, with a midpoint of $150,200.

3. What type of architect is highest paid?

The highest-paid architect role is typically the Design Architect Manager, with a salary range from $122,800 to $171,000, and a mid-salary of $150,200. Other high-paying architect careers include Preservation Architect, Architectural Technologist, and Landscape Architect, each requiring specialized education and skills.

4. Can architects make 200k?

While some architects may earn over $200k, the typical salary range for a Design Architect Manager is between $122,800 and $171,000, with a mid-salary of $150,200. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific roles within the architecture field.

5. What degree do you need to be a design manager?

To become a design manager, a common bachelor's degree in fields such as engineering, architecture, mathematics, or industrial design is essential. Pursuing a master's degree in engineering, architecture, project management, construction management, or building management can further enhance your qualifications. Design Architect Managers typically earn between $122,800 and $171,000, with a median salary of $150,200.

6. What is an architectural design manager?

A Design Architect Manager leads a team of architects, engineers, and designers to develop coordinated architectural designs. They ensure that projects meet both aesthetic and functional requirements while facilitating collaboration among various specialists. The salary for this role typically ranges from $122,800 to $171,000, with a median salary of $150,200.

7. Is 100k a year good?

A salary of $100,000 is below the minimum for a Design Architect Manager, which starts at $122,800. While it may cover basic expenses in some areas, it may not provide the financial comfort or savings potential that a salary in this field offers, with mid-range earnings around $150,200 and a maximum of $171,000.

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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