Architect Architect Salary in San Francisco, CA

Architect Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Oct 13, 2025
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Architect make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Architect is $159,241 per year in San Francisco, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $159,241 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $13,270 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $3,062 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $77 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Architects in San Francisco, CA, enjoy a competitive salary. On average, they earn about $159,241 per year. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled architects in the area. The cost of living in San Francisco is high, but so are the salaries.

The salary range for architects in San Francisco can vary widely. Some earn as little as $87,500, while others make over $318,000. This range depends on factors like experience, specialization, and the type of projects they work on. The top earners often have advanced degrees or work for prestigious firms. Entry-level architects can expect to start at the lower end of the scale, but with experience, they can move up.

Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA
View all Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Architect near San Francisco, CA?

Palo Alto, CA, offers the highest average salary for architects near San Francisco, at $239,897. Santa Clara, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $216,297. These two cities provide excellent opportunities for architects seeking top compensation. Sunnyvale, CA, and San Jose, CA, also rank high, with average salaries of $206,287 and $195,252, respectively. These cities combine strong job markets with competitive pay, making them attractive for professionals in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Architect jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Palo Alto, CA with the highest at $239,897 and Menlo Park, CA with the lowest at $165,682.

  1. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $239,897
    Palo Alto offers a dynamic environment for design professionals. Companies like Google and Tesla provide opportunities to work on innovative projects. The tech-driven culture makes it an exciting place for architects.
    Find Architect jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  2. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $216,297
    Santa Clara is home to tech giants such as Intel and Apple. Architects here can contribute to cutting-edge projects. The city's focus on technology creates a vibrant atmosphere for design.
    Find Architect jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  3. Livermore, CA
    Average Salary: $209,349
    Livermore is known for its research facilities and clean energy projects. Working here means you can be part of significant advancements. The city's emphasis on innovation offers unique challenges and opportunities.
    Find Architect jobs in Livermore, CA


  4. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $206,287
    Sunnyvale boasts a thriving tech scene with companies like VMware and eBay. Architects can find diverse projects here. The city's fast-paced environment is ideal for those who enjoy dynamic work.
    Find Architect jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $195,252
    San Jose is a hub for tech and startups. Working as an architect here means being part of Silicon Valley's innovation. Companies like Cisco and Adobe offer exciting projects.
    Find Architect jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $192,395
    Mountain View is home to Google and other tech leaders. Architects here can work on world-changing projects. The city's tech-focused culture provides a stimulating work environment.
    Find Architect jobs in Mountain View, CA


  7. Fremont, CA
    Average Salary: $173,193
    Fremont has a mix of tech companies and manufacturing. Architects can find a variety of projects here. The city's diverse industry base offers unique opportunities for design.
    Find Architect jobs in Fremont, CA


  8. Alameda, CA
    Average Salary: $171,661
    Alameda offers a mix of tech and healthcare opportunities. Working here means you can contribute to important projects. The city's focus on quality of life makes it a pleasant place to work.
    Find Architect jobs in Alameda, CA


  9. South San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $166,205
    South San Francisco is a biotech hub with companies like Genentech. Architects here can work on innovative healthcare facilities. The city's focus on life sciences offers unique design challenges.
    Find Architect jobs in South San Francisco, CA


  10. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $165,682
    Menlo Park is known for its tech companies and startups. Working here means being part of a creative and innovative environment. The city's vibrant culture makes it an exciting place for architects.
    Find Architect jobs in Menlo Park, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Architect in San Francisco, CA?

Architect jobs in San Francisco offer competitive salaries. Companies like OpenAI, Okta, and Salesforce lead the way with high average pay. These firms provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in architecture. OpenAI, Okta, and Salesforce offer some of the highest salaries. Autodesk, PwC, and Google also provide strong compensation. These companies value skilled architects and offer benefits to match. Job seekers can find promising roles and good pay in these top firms.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $366,667 and Genentech with the lowest at $190,233.

  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $366,667
    OpenAI offers exciting Architect roles in San Francisco, CA. The company focuses on creating AI technologies. It operates globally with a strong presence in San Francisco.


  2. Okta
    Average Salary: $318,500
    Okta provides Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA. The company specializes in identity management. It operates worldwide with a significant office in San Francisco.


  3. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $266,380
    Salesforce offers Architect positions in San Francisco, CA. The company is a leader in customer relationship management. It has offices around the world, with a major hub in San Francisco.


  4. Autodesk
    Average Salary: $266,072
    Autodesk provides Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA. The company focuses on design software. It operates globally with a strong presence in San Francisco.


  5. PwC
    Average Salary: $247,833
    PwC offers Architect roles in San Francisco, CA. The company provides consulting services. It has offices worldwide, with a significant location in San Francisco.


  6. Google
    Average Salary: $235,333
    Google offers Architect positions in San Francisco, CA. The company is a tech giant. It operates globally with a major office in San Francisco.


  7. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $225,467
    Wells Fargo provides Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA. The company is a financial services leader. It operates nationwide with a significant office in San Francisco.


  8. Logic20/20
    Average Salary: $206,667
    Logic20/20 offers Architect roles in San Francisco, CA. The company specializes in architecture and design. It operates locally with a focus on San Francisco.


  9. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $199,780
    The University of California - San Francisco offers Architect jobs in San Francisco, CA. The university is a leading research institution. It operates locally with a strong presence in San Francisco.


  10. Genentech
    Average Salary: $190,233
    Genentech provides Architect positions in San Francisco, CA. The company is a biotechnology leader. It operates globally with a significant office in San Francisco.

Currently 1,163 Architect job openings, nationwide.

View Architect Jobs in San Francisco, CA

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