ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Architect Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$113,926/yr
Typical range: $109,744 – $134,127
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Architect salary by experience level in San Francisco
Architect Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $113,926 | $9,494 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $140,732 | $11,728 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $158,603 | $13,217 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $180,941 | $15,078 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $234,553 | $19,546 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $285,485 | $23,790 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $298,218 | $24,852 | +162% |
Current Salary
$113,926
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$140,732
Junior · 2
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Architect salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Architects in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $114K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Architect make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $114K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Architect in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Architect in San Francisco, CA earns $209K–$256K/yr.