As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Lighting Designer in California is $102,913 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, an Architectural Lighting Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Architectural Lighting Designer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $112,542 | $9,379 | $2,164 | $54 |
| Average | $102,913 | $8,576 | $1,979 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,966 | $7,830 | $1,807 | $45 |
Big League Talent Co. - Ignacio, CA
City Design Studio LLC - Los Angeles, CA
JRP Design & Remodel - Westlake Village, CA
POLYTECH ASSOCIATES INC - San Francisco, CA
An Architectural Lighting 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 Architectural Lighting 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 |
|---|---|
| Architect... Level Architectural Lighting Designer | $68,305 |
| Architect... Level Architectural Lighting Designer | $82,951 |
| Architect... Level Architectural Lighting Designer | $102,205 |
| Architect... Level Architectural Lighting Designer | $122,283 |
| Architect... Level Architectural Lighting Designer | $143,839 |
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 Architectural Lighting 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 Architectural Lighting Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Lighting Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Lighting Designer 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 | $128,642 | $62.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $113,205 | $54.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Architectural Lighting 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 | $112,542 | $9,379 | $2,164 | $54 |
| Average | $102,913 | $8,576 | $1,979 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,966 | $7,830 | $1,807 | $45 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Architectural Lighting Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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