California ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for architects, except landscape and naval pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($114,480) by $8,640 — a 8% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $65,660 to $181,110 — a $115,450 spread, 16% wider than the national $99,290 range.
California employs roughly 12.5% of all architects, except landscape and naval in the country (13,880 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $65,660 | $31.57 |
| 25th percentile | $81,690 | $39.27 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $105,840 | $50.88 |
| 75th percentile | $139,930 | $67.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $181,110 | $87.07 |
| Mean (average) | $123,130 | $59.20 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $105,840 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $114,480 | +8% |
| Wyoming | $107,040 | +1% |
| Rhode Island | $106,950 | +1% |
| Alaska | $105,340 | +0% |
| Connecticut | $105,200 | -1% |
| South Dakota | $102,420 | -3% |
| Massachusetts | $101,980 | -4% |
| Nevada | $101,720 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Examiners | $105,790 | 3,690 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,980 | 10,100 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $105,320 | 9,170 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $106,620 | 28,730 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $104,930 | 31,480 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $107,050 | 12,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Architects, Except Landscape and Naval salary in California?
The mean architects, except landscape and naval salary in California is $123,130 per year. The median (middle) salary is $105,840 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in California?
Entry-level architects, except landscape and navals (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $65,660 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $81,690 per year.
What is the highest Architects, Except Landscape and Naval salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $181,110 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $139,930 per year.
How does the California Architects, Except Landscape and Naval salary compare to the national average?
The median architects, except landscape and naval salary in California is $105,840, which is +9% above national average of $96,690.