As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architect I in the United States is $62,498 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Architect I'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 an Architect I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Architect I | 0-2 years | $62,498 |
| Architect II | 2-4 years | $75,899 |
| Architect III | 4-7 years | $93,510 |
| Architect IV | 7+ years | $111,894 |
| Architect V | 7-10 years | $131,628 |
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 Architect Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.12% |
| Adobe | 1.96% |
| Conceptualization | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
AWS
|
$84,997 |
36%
|
|
Azure
|
$83,122 |
33%
|
|
Salesforce
|
$78,747 |
26%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$76,248 |
22%
|
|
Java
|
$74,998 |
20%
|
|
API
|
$74,998 |
20%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Architect Is 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 an Architect I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,537 and $68,762).
Architect I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 2.2% |
| Associates | 3.0% |
| Bachelors | 47.7% |
| Masters | 45.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how an Architect I'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 June 01, 2026For an Architect I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Architect II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $75,899 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for an Architect I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,756 in 2023 to around $53,722 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Architect I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,756 |
| 2024 | $53,978 |
| 2025 | $53,722 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Architect I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Architect I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An Architect I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Architect I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Architect I is $78,829.
The highest pay for Architect I is $73,970.
The lowest pay for Architect I is $48,735.
Responsible for performing design computations, compiling data, and completing rudimentary architectural assignments. Works from the designs of others to prepare sketches, preliminary drawings, and schematic designs. Prepares project estimates and completes architectural plans/renderings following specific instructions. Prepares reports and specifications as requested. May participate in an architectural internship or professional development program. May be working towards obtaining architecture license. Requires a bachelor's degree in architecture. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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