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Hourly Wage for Project Architect, Master Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Project Architect, Master?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Project Architect, Master in the United States is $63, which translates to an annual salary of about $131,560.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $70 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58 to $67 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Project Architect, Master Salaries

A Project 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 Project Architect, Master Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Project 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): $93,515
  • Design Architect, Specialist (7+ years): $111,857
  • Project Architect, Master (7-10 years): $131,558
  • Architect Team Leader (10+ years): $108,818
  • Design Architect Manager (10+ years): $143,744
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Design Architect, Senior4-7 years$93,515
Design Architect, Specialist7+ years$111,857
Project Architect, Master7-10 years$131,558
Architect Team Leader10+ years$108,818
Design Architect Manager10+ years$143,744

How Do Project 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 Project Architect, Masters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $145,670.
  • California: $145,110.
  • Massachusetts: $143,180.

Top Paying Cities for Project 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: $165,940
  • San Francisco: $164,120
  • Oakland: $160,660

What Skills Can Increase a Project 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%

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 Project 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 $173,659
32%
Creativity $142,085
8%
Risk Management $139,454
6%

Project Architect, Master Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Project Architect, Master salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $142,933. While startup companies pay approximate $121,134.

Project Architect, Master Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $121,134
Growth Stage 51~500 $128,056
Established 501~5000 $138,088
Enterprise 5000+ $142,933

Project Architect, Master Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project 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, Project Architect, Master positions in Business Services or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Architect, Master as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Project Architect, Master

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$157,872$76.020%
Retail & Wholesale$144,716$70.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project 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 Project Architect, Master with a Bachelor's Degree is between $153,930 and $165,263).

Project Architect, Master Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Project 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%

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

Understanding how a Project 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 September 01, 2026
$121,180
Average $131,560/year
$139,370
$10,098
Average $10,963/month
$11,614
$2,330
Average $2,530/week
$2,680
$58
Average $63/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,370 $11,614 $2,680 $67
Average $131,560 $10,963 $2,530 $63
25th Percentile $121,180 $10,098 $2,330 $58

Most common benefits for Project Architect, Master

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

Common company salaries for Project Architect, Master

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

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FAQ about Project Architect, Master

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

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

2. What do project architects do?

In architecture, a project architect (PA) oversees the architectural aspects of design development, production of construction documents, and specifications. They utilize various intellectual disciplines, including engineering, law, and business. The salary for a project architect ranges from $143,450 to $184,770, with a mid-salary of $164,390, reflecting their expertise and responsibilities in the field.

3. Can architects make 7 figures?

To achieve a 7-figure salary as an architect, focus on gaining experience in a specialized firm. The average salary for a Project Architect ranges from $143,450 to $184,770, with the potential to exceed this range in top-tier firms. Your dedication and expertise can significantly enhance your value, paving the way for lucrative opportunities in the industry.

4. Can architects make 200K?

While it's possible for architects to earn close to $200K, such salaries are typically found in limited positions, like Partner or Principal roles in major AEC firms. The salary data for Project Architects shows a range from $143,450 to $184,770, indicating that reaching $200K would require exceptional circumstances or advancement to top-tier positions.

5. What is the lowest paid architect?

The lowest paid Project Architects in the United States earn a minimum salary of $143,450 annually. In contrast, the mid-range salary is $164,390, while the maximum salary can reach up to $184,770. This highlights the significant earning potential for architects in various regions across the country.

6. Who is the richest architect?

While the average annual salary of a Project Architect is around $164,390, top architects can earn significantly more. The richest architects, known for their exceptional work and reputation, can command salaries that far exceed this range, with some earning upwards of $184,770 annually.

7. Do architects get paid well in USA?

Yes, architects can earn a competitive salary in the USA. The salary for a Project Architect ranges from a minimum of $143,450 to a maximum of $184,770, with a mid-range salary of $164,390. This indicates that experienced architects can achieve substantial earnings, reflecting their skills and expertise in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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