ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Architect Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$202,685/yr
Typical range: $180,838 – $221,017
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Architect salary by experience level in Seattle
Architect Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $98,447 | $8,204 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,611 | $10,134 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,054 | $11,421 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $156,357 | $13,030 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $202,685 | $16,890 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $246,697 | $20,558 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $257,700 | $21,475 | +162% |
Current Salary
$202,685
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $97/hr
Next Level Target
$246,697
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Architect salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Architects in Seattle, WA earn approximately $203K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $203K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $97/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Architect in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Architect in Seattle, WA earns $181K–$221K/yr.