As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Director of Architecture in the United States is $135,093 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, a Director of Architecture's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Director of Architecture'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 Director of Architecture'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 Director of Architecture | $95,456 |
| Architect... Level Director of Architecture | $114,296 |
| Director ... Level Director of Architecture | $134,498 |
| Architect... Level Director of Architecture | $116,614 |
| Architect... Level Director of Architecture | $146,620 |
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 Director of Architectures. 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
|
$178,323 |
32%
|
|
Creativity
|
$145,900 |
8%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$143,199 |
6%
|
|
Conceptual Design
|
$143,199 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$141,848 |
5%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$141,848 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Director of Architectures 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 Director of Architecture with a Bachelor's Degree is between $154,733 and $166,125).
Director of Architecture 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 Director of Architecture'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Director of Architecture can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,669 in 2023 to around $128,632 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Director of Architecture salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $131,669 |
| 2024 | $130,354 |
| 2025 | $128,632 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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