As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Lead Architect in the United States is $148,730. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $134,200 to $160,060, with most professionals earning between $120,971 and $170,375.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $160,060 | $13,338 | $3,078 | $77 |
| Average | $148,730 | $12,394 | $2,860 | $72 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,200 | $11,183 | $2,581 | $65 |
An entry-level Lead Architect with less than 1 year of experience earns about $143,308. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $143,959. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $145,477. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $147,212, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $149,068.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Architect | $143,308 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Architect | $143,959 |
| Senior Level Lead Architect | $145,477 |
| Specialist Level Lead Architect | $147,212 |
| Expert Level Lead Architect | $149,068 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 3% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 1% |
| Experienced | 0% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Lead Architect compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $161,731 in 2023 to approximately $159,044 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Lead Architect salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Lead Architect information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Lead Architect job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Lead Architect and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $148,730 | 74.1% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $11,378 | 5.7% | ||
| 401K/403B | $6,990 | 3.5% | ||
| Disability | $1,190 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 3.0% | ||
| Pension | $8,180 | 4.1% | ||
| Time Off | $18,305 | 9.1% | ||
| Total Compensation | $200,829 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 3.4% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 45.6% |
| Masters | 44.2% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
What Am I Worth?
The average annual salary of Lead Architect is $148,730. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Lead Architect is $72; the average weekly pay of Lead Architect is $2,860; the average monthly pay of Lead Architect is $12,394.
A Lead Architect's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Lead Architect earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Lead Architect is $187,600.
The highest pay for Lead Architect is $170,375.
The lowest pay for Lead Architect is $120,971.
The Lead Architect directly manages the development of architectural designs and preliminary construction details. Manages and supervises all related activities of a staff of architects and technicians. Being a Lead Architect directs development of new methods or techniques. Ensures architectural design work is completed on time and adheres to the established specifications and standards. In addition, Lead Architect may prepare project schedules, bids, or proposals. Requires a bachelor's degree. Requires an state architect's license. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Lead Architect manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Working as a Lead Architect typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
