How Much Does a Senior Architect Make? (2025)
Understanding the average salary for senior architect can be helpful if you're considering this career. As of 2025, the average senior architect salary in the United States is $104,603 per year, and employment for this role is expected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033.
This guide explores everything you need to know about the senior architect role, including job descriptions and salary expectations, especially with factors that influence pay, such as experience, location, and industry demand.
What Does a Senior Architect Do?
A senior architect leads architectural projects, managing both design and technical elements, drawing upon their experience. They oversee the planning, conceptualization, and execution of designs, ensuring they meet aesthetic, functional, budget, and timeline requirements.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), their responsibilities also include:
- Meet with clients to understand their objectives and requirements for structures
- Provide initial cost and construction time estimates
- Create structure specifications
- Supervise teams preparing drawings and documents
- Produce scaled drawings using software or by hand
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors
- Manage construction contracts
- Visit construction sites to ensure adherence to architectural plans
- Attract new projects through marketing and presentations
What is Senior Architect Salary Overview?
As mentioned, the average salary for senior architect in the United States is $104,603 per year or $50 per hour, as of April 2025. Based on our data, the senior architect salary range is between $81,544 and $128,273 per year. The senior architect's salary per month is $8,717.
Moreover, senior architects often earn an average of $50 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $39 to $62. The average weekly salary for senior architect is $2,012, with pay ranging from $1,568 to $2,467.
2025 Senior Architect Average Salary: $104,603 per year ($50 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core salary for senior architect is $105,603 per year. This includes salary and bonuses and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $81,436 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,953 |
| 50th Percentile | $105,603 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,343 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,942 |
Additionally, senior architect may receive an average additional cash compensation amounting to $144,351. The total compensation package for the role includes benefits like healthcare ($6,056), time off like vacation, holidays, and sick leave ($12,997), and Social Security ($8,079), which make up 18.8% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $104,603 | 72.5% |
| Bonus | $1,000 | 0.7% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $8,079 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $4,963 | 3.4% |
| Disability | $845 | 0.6% |
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 4.2% |
| Pension | $5,808 | 4.0% |
| Time Off | $12,997 | 9% |
| Total Compensation | $144,351 | 100% |
What Can Affect Senior Architect Salaries?
The salary of senior architect varies based on factors such as experience, location, education, and skills. Here is a breakdown of the key factors that influence earnings.
By Experience Level
According to our report, many senior architects with less than a year of experience earn an average salary of $97,830 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $109,547 per year.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Senior Architect | $97,830 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Architect | $98,719 |
| Senior Level Senior Architect | $100,497 |
| Specialist Level Senior Architect | $105,352 |
| Expert Level Senior Architect | $109,547 |
By Geographic Location
Also, the salary of a senior architect in the United States varies by location, probably influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economy, and industry presence.
For example, among hot cities in the United States, San Francisco has the highest average salary at $130,633 per year, while Dallas, Texas, has lower median salary at $103,293 per year.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $115,563 | $130,633 | $146,103 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $102,453 | $115,813 | $129,533 |
| Miami, Florida | $88,903 | $100,503 | $112,403 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $95,623 | $108,093 | $120,893 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $103,203 | $116,663 | $130,473 |
| New York, New York | $107,233 | $121,223 | $135,573 |
| Dallas, Texas | $91,373 | $103,293 | $115,533 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for senior architect. Our Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with architectural design can see a 7.13% pay increase, while those with building codes and regulations skills may receive 6.74%. The demand for these skills is 16.29% and 11.80%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand Growth (%) | Salary Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Design | 16.29% | 7.13% |
| Building Codes and Regulations | 11.80% | 6.74% |
| 3D CAD | 25.58% | 6.52% |
| 3D Modeling | 34.29% | 5.79% |
| Drawing | 27.44% | 5.38% |
| Interior Design | 7.09% | 3.57% |
How to Become a Senior Architect
Becoming a senior architect requires specific education, training, and key skills. Here's how to become one:
- Get the right education: Start by earning a bachelor's degree in architecture or a related field. If you want to go further, a master's degree in architecture or urban planning can help you learn more advanced design techniques.
- Build key skills: Develop important skills like 3D modeling, architectural design, construction management, and understanding building codes. Being skilled in CAD software is also crucial for designing, managing projects, and following regulations.
- Get hands-on experience: Gain practical experience by working as an intern or in entry-level jobs at architecture firms. Helping with tasks like design creation, site assessments, or ensuring compliance with building codes will build your foundation for the role.
- Consider certifications: While optional, certifications like LEED (for sustainable design) or becoming a licensed architect can boost your career. They show your expertise and commitment to the profession.
- Grow your career: As you gain experience, take on bigger projects and roles, such as project architect or design director. Eventually, you can aim for leadership positions like Senior Architect or even Principal Architect, overseeing major projects.
- Salary expectations: As of April 2025, the average salary for a senior architect in the U.S. is $104,603 per year, with a range between $81,544 and $128,273. Salaries can be higher in cities like San Francisco, where they can reach $130,633.
What are the FAQs About Senior Architect Salary?
Here are some FAQs about senior architects:
What is the average salary of a senior architect in 2025?
As of April 2025, the average salary for a senior architect in the United States is $104,603 per year, or approximately $50 per hour.
What is the salary range for a senior architect?
The salary range for a senior architect typically falls between $81,544 and $128,273 per year, depending on factors like experience, location, and industry.
How much does a senior architect earn per month and per week?
The estimated monthly salary for a senior architect is about $8,717, while the weekly salary is approximately $2,012, with pay ranging from $1,570 to $2,465 per week.
What is the median salary for a senior architect?
The median salary, representing the middle value of total compensation, is $104,603 per year, including base salary and bonuses.
What factors influence a senior architect's salary?
Salary differences are influenced by experience, location, demand in the architecture industry, and specialized skills. Senior architects with more experience and those in high-cost cities typically earn higher salaries. Specializations like sustainable design, urban planning, or high-end commercial projects may also lead to higher compensation.
