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Licensed Architect, Master Salary in the United States

How much does a Licensed Architect, Master make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Architect, Master in the United States is $131,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,491
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $121,190 to $139,390
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $111,721
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Licensed Architect, Master Salaries

A Licensed 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.

How Experience Level Affects Licensed Architect, Master Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed 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:

  • Design Architect, Senior (4-7 years): $93,517
  • Design Architect, Specialist (7+ years): $111,844
  • Licensed Architect, Master (7-10 years): $131,535
  • Architect Team Leader (10+ years): $108,822
  • Design Architect Manager (10+ years): $143,760
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Design Architect, Senior4-7 years$93,517
Design Architect, Specialist7+ years$111,844
Licensed Architect, Master7-10 years$131,535
Architect Team Leader10+ years$108,822
Design Architect Manager10+ years$143,760
View as Graph

How Do Licensed Architect, Master Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Licensed Architect, Masters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $145,690.
  • California: $145,090.
  • Massachusetts: $143,190.

Top Paying Cities for Licensed Architect, Masters

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: $165,990
  • San Francisco: $164,090
  • Oakland: $160,690

What Skills Can Increase a Licensed Architect, Master's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 6.96% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.91% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Solution Architecture (Mentioned in 1.36% Job Postings): Is the process of developing solutions based on predefined processes, guidelines and best practices with the objective that the developed solution fits within the enterprise architecture in terms of information architecture, system portfolios, integration requirements and many more.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 6.96%
Computer Science 1.91%
Solution Architecture 1.36%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 Licensed Architect, Master's salary.

  • Plumbing: Can increase your salary by up to 32%.
  • Creativity: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Plumbing $173,699
32%
Creativity $142,117
8%
Risk Management $139,485
6%
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Licensed Architect, Master Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Licensed Architect, Master salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $142,821. While startup companies pay approximate $121,165.

Licensed Architect, Master Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $121,165
Growth Stage 51~500 $128,059
Established 501~5000 $137,974
Enterprise 5000+ $142,821

Licensed Architect, Master Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Licensed Architect, Master

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$157,908$76.020%
Retail & Wholesale$144,749$70.010%

How Education impacts a Licensed Architect, Master's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed 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 Licensed Architect, Master with a Bachelor's Degree is between $153,948 and $165,290).

Licensed Architect, Master Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Licensed 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%
View as Graph

Licensed Architect, Master Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Licensed 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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$121,190
Average $131,590/year
$139,390
$10,099
Average $10,966/month
$11,616
$2,331
Average $2,531/week
$2,681
$58
Average $63/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,390 $11,616 $2,681 $67
Average $131,590 $10,966 $2,531 $63
25th Percentile $121,190 $10,099 $2,331 $58

Licensed Architect, Master Salary Growth & Career Path

Licensed Architect, Master

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Advancement

For a Licensed Architect, Master, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Architect Team Leader role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $108,900 - a projected growth of -17% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Licensed Architect, Master

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

Common company salaries for Licensed Architect, Master

Here are companies hiring for Licensed Architect, Master and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Licensed Architect, Master

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Licensed Architect, Master?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Architect, Master roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much does a licensed architect earn in USA?

A licensed architect in the USA earns an annual salary ranging from $143,490 to $184,790, with a median salary of $164,390. This translates to a weekly pay of approximately $2,755 to $3,548, depending on experience and location.

3. What is the highest paying job in the world?

While CEO positions are often cited as the highest paying jobs, a Licensed Architect also commands a significant salary. With a minimum salary of $143,490, a mid-range salary of $164,390, and a maximum salary of $184,790, this profession offers substantial financial rewards. Architects play a crucial role in designing and planning structures, making their expertise highly valued.

4. What type of architect is the highest paid?

The highest-paid architect is typically a Licensed Architect, with salaries ranging from $143,490 to $184,790, depending on experience and specialization. This role often requires a professional degree in architecture and licensure. Other high-paying positions include Preservation Architect and Commercial Architect, among others.

5. Is it better to get a masters or bachelors in architecture?

A master's in architecture can significantly enhance your career prospects, leading to senior roles such as lead architect or senior project manager. With a master's, you can expect salaries ranging from $143,490 to $184,790, compared to a bachelor's degree, which may limit your earning potential. Many top firms prefer candidates with advanced degrees, making it a valuable investment.

6. What is a low 6 figure salary?

A low 6-figure salary typically starts around $100,000. In the context of a Licensed Architect, the minimum salary is approximately $143,490, which is well above the low end of the 6-figure range. The mid-salary is $164,390, and the maximum salary reaches $184,790, indicating a strong earning potential in this profession.

7. What is a licensed architect?

A licensed architect is a professional who has met the necessary requirements to practice architecture, including completing a degree, gaining experience through internships, and passing the Architect Registration Examination. In terms of compensation, licensed architects can expect salaries ranging from $143,490 to $184,790, with a median salary of $164,390.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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