Salary distribution
Where San Francisco architects fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $98,140 and $165,450, with a median of $125,950.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Internship/residency
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Visualization
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Operations Analysis
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
- 02
Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
- 03
Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
- 04
Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
- 05
Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
- 06
Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.
- 07
Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
- 08
Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for architects.
- San Jose$134,200
- Sacramento$118,560
- San Diego$118,410
- Riverside$103,510
- Los Angeles$102,190
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Architects in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Architects in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $125,950.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Architects?
- The San Francisco metro median is +19.0% versus the California state median of $105,840.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Architects?
- The San Francisco metro median is +34.5% versus the BLS national figure of $93,633.
- What is the salary range for Architects in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $73,740 and the 90th-percentile at $224,610 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Architects?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.