As of August 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
Smart Recruiting
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Design Architect, Senior | 4-7 years | $93,513 |
| Design Architect, Specialist | 7+ years | $111,869 |
| Licensed Architect, Master | 7-10 years | $131,582 |
| Architect Team Leader | 10+ years | $114,251 |
| Design Architect Manager | 10+ years | $143,728 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.96% |
| Computer Science | 1.91% |
| Solution Architecture | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Plumbing
|
$173,699 |
32%
|
|
Creativity
|
$142,117 |
8%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$139,485 |
6%
|
|
Conceptual Design
|
$139,485 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$138,170 |
5%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$138,170 |
5%
|
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 $143,194. While startup companies pay approximate $121,371.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $121,371 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $128,305 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $138,349 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $143,194 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $157,908 | $76.0 | 20% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $144,749 | $70.0 | 10% |
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
| 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 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 August 01, 2026For 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 $114,300 - a projected growth of -13% over your current level.
Salaries for a Licensed 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 Licensed Architect, Master salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $128,974 |
| 2024 | $127,686 |
| 2025 | $125,999 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Licensed Architect, Master and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Licensed Architect, Master job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Architect, Master roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
