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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Architectural Designer in California is $66,819 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Entry Level Architectural Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Architectural Designer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $73,004 | $6,084 | $1,404 | $35 |
| Average | $66,819 | $5,568 | $1,285 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,470 | $4,873 | $1,124 | $28 |
KPFF Consulting Engineers - Irvine, CA
KPFF Consulting Engineers - Los Angeles, CA
ZGF Architects - Los Angeles, CA
Degenkolb Engineers - Oakland, CA
An Entry Level Architectural Designer'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Architectural Designer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Architectural Designer | $67,398 |
| Architect... Level Entry Level Architectural Designer | $81,852 |
| Architect... Level Entry Level Architectural Designer | $100,855 |
| Architect... Level Entry Level Architectural Designer | $120,652 |
| Architect... Level Entry Level Architectural Designer | $141,913 |
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 Entry Level Architectural Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Entry Level Architectural Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Architectural Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Architectural Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $83,523 | $40.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $80,182 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $70,160 | $34.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Architectural Designer'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 | $73,004 | $6,084 | $1,404 | $35 |
| Average | $66,819 | $5,568 | $1,285 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,470 | $4,873 | $1,124 | $28 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Architectural Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Degenkolb Engineers
San Diego, CA
Degenkolb Engineers | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Description. We review candidates for the Entry-Level Structural Engineer | Designer position on a rolling basis... more
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Los Angeles, CA
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Sacramento, CA
Degenkolb Engineers | Sacramento, CA
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Degenkolb Engineers
San Francisco, CA
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Tsutsumida Pictures
Tustin, CA
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McParlane & Associates, Inc.
San Diego, CA
McParlane & Associates, Inc. | San Diego, CA
Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction. Locations. San Diego, CA (hybrid work schedule). About the Role. We're looking for an entry-level L... more
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