Architect Salary in San Francisco, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Engineering · COL Index: 179.6
$125,950
Median Salary
$139,650
Mean Salary
$70,128
COL-Adjusted
3,430
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $73,740 | $41,058 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,140 | $54,644 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $125,950 | $70,128 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,450 | $92,121 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $224,610 | $125,061 |
What Drives the Range
The $150,870 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Architect positions in San Francisco, CA reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
San Francisco, CA's cost-of-living index of 179.6 means that a $125,950 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $70,128 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.