What is the median salary for Architects in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Architects in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $102,080.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Architects?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is 0.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $102,040.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Architects?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +3.4% versus the BLS national figure of $98,731.

What is the salary range for Architects in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $75,650 and the 90th-percentile at $166,190 for the Washington, D.C. 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.

Architects Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia: $102k Median ($76k–$166k Range)

Median annual$102,080

Mean annual$115,480

Range (10th to 90th)$75,650 to $166,190

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment3,020

State vs national+3.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. architects fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $81,550 and $130,670, with a median of $102,080.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Internship/residency
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Design
Knowledge
4.9 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
4.8 / 5
Visualization
Ability
4.1 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
4.1 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
4.0 / 5
Operations Analysis
Technical
4.0 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
4.0 / 5

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Architects in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Architects in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $102,080.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Architects?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is 0.0% versus the District of Columbia state median of $102,040.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Architects?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +3.4% versus the BLS national figure of $98,731.
What is the salary range for Architects in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $75,650 and the 90th-percentile at $166,190 for the Washington, D.C. 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.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. 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.