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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Junior Architect in California is $68,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Junior Architect's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Junior Architect Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $74,682 | $6,224 | $1,436 | $36 |
| Average | $68,090 | $5,674 | $1,309 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,511 | $5,043 | $1,164 | $29 |
Real Estate Developer - West Hollywood, CA
Arquitectonica - Culver City, CA
Woodruff Mayer Architecture, inc. - Upland, CA
Santander Holdings USA Inc - COCONUT GROVE, FL
A Junior Architect'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 a Junior Architect'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 |
|---|---|
| Junior Ar... Level Junior Architect | $67,605 |
| Architect... Level Junior Architect | $82,103 |
| Architect... Level Junior Architect | $101,164 |
| Architect... Level Junior Architect | $121,022 |
| Architect... Level Junior Architect | $142,348 |
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 Junior Architects. 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 Junior Architect 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, Junior Architect positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Junior Architect as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $85,112 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $81,708 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $71,494 | $34.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Junior Architect'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 | $74,682 | $6,224 | $1,436 | $36 |
| Average | $68,090 | $5,674 | $1,309 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,511 | $5,043 | $1,164 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Junior Architect job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Xcel Energy
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Xcel Energy | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55401, United States of America Denver, Colorado, 80205 Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talen... more
2 Days Ago
Santander Holdings USA Inc
COCONUT GROVE, FL
Santander Holdings USA Inc | COCONUT GROVE, FL
It Starts Here: Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-dr... more
3 Days Ago
Cyntergy
TULSA, OK
Geodis
BRENTWOOD, TN
Geodis | BRENTWOOD, TN
Sr IT Architect- Database Who We Are: GEODIS specializes in unlocking business value in a complex world, ensuring seamless movement of goods worldwide. As ... more
2 Days Ago
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: FPGA System Architect - Electronics Engineer Location: NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CH... more
4 Days Ago
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: FPGA System Architect - Electronics Engineer Location: NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CH... more
2 Days Ago
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