ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Architect Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$195,842/yr
Typical range: $174,732 – $213,555
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Architect salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Architect Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $95,123 | $7,927 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $117,505 | $9,792 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $132,426 | $11,036 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $151,078 | $12,590 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $195,842 | $16,320 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $238,367 | $19,864 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $248,999 | $20,750 | +162% |
Current Salary
$195,842
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $94/hr
Next Level Target
$238,367
Principal · 14
+$43Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Architect salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Architects in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $196K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Architect make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $196K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $94/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Architect in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Architect in Los Angeles, CA earns $175K–$214K/yr.