As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Design Architect, Master in the United States is $63, which translates to an annual salary of about $131,600.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Design Architect, Master Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $139,400 | $11,617 | $2,681 | $67 |
| Average | $131,600 | $10,967 | $2,531 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,200 | $10,100 | $2,331 | $58 |
A Design Architect, Master'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Design Architect, Master'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Design Architect, Senior | 4-7 years | $93,515 |
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.96% |
| Computer Science | 1.91% |
| Solution Architecture | 1.36% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Design Architect, Master's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | $173,712 | |
| Creativity | $142,128 | |
| Risk Management | $139,496 |
Design Architect, Master salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $142,977. While startup companies pay approximate $121,171.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $121,171 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $128,095 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $138,130 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $142,977 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Design Architect, Masters enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Design Architect, Master with a Bachelor's Degree is between $153,958 and $165,300).
| Typical Education for Design Architect, Master | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 1.1% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 45.3% |
| Masters | 49.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.9% |
Understanding how a Design Architect, Master'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $139,400 | $11,617 | $2,681 | $67 |
| Average | $131,600 | $10,967 | $2,531 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,200 | $10,100 | $2,331 | $58 |
Salaries for a Design Architect, Master can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $128,974 in 2023 to around $125,999 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Design Architect, Master salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $128,974 |
| 2024 | $127,686 |
| 2025 | $125,999 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Design Architect, Master roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Yes, architects can certainly make over $100,000. For a Design Architect at the Master level, the salary range is between $143,500 and $184,800 annually, with a mid-salary of $164,400. This role typically requires 8+ years of experience in project design, covering all phases from Schematic Design to Construction Administration.
A Master's degree in Architecture demands considerable dedication, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. This advanced qualification enhances understanding of design principles, sustainability, and digital innovation through rigorous studio projects and research. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $143,500 to $184,800, reflecting the value of their expertise in the field.
The best-paying states for Design Architects offer significantly higher salaries than the national average. For instance, the salary range for a Master Design Architect is between $143,500 and $184,800, with a mid-salary of $164,400. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to states like California and the District of Columbia.
While math is important in architecture, particularly algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, it shouldn't deter anyone from pursuing the field. These skills help in understanding dimensions, quantities, and geometric relationships, which are essential for design. Additionally, a Design Architect can expect a salary ranging from $143,500 to $184,800, reflecting the value of these skills in the profession.
A level 7 architect focuses on designing new buildings and redesigning existing structures. This qualification is equivalent to a master's degree and typically requires 48 months of study. Salary data for a Design Architect at this level ranges from $143,500 to $184,800, with a mid-salary of $164,400.
The highest-paid architect role is typically the Design Architect, Master, with a salary range from $143,500 to $184,800. This position often commands a mid-salary of $164,400, reflecting its specialized skills and responsibilities. Other high-paying architect careers include Preservation Architect, Architectural Technologist, and Landscape Architect.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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