As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Architect III in the United States is $93,499 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an Architect III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Architect III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Architect III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Architect I | 0-2 years | $62,520 |
| Architect II | 2-4 years | $75,920 |
| Architect III | 4-7 years | $93,499 |
| Architect IV | 7+ years | $111,975 |
| Architect V | 7-10 years | $131,779 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Architect IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.15% |
| Construction Administration | 2.11% |
| Conceptual Design | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$97,239 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$97,239 |
4%
|
|
Business Development
|
$96,304 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$96,304 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$95,369 |
2%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$95,369 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Architect IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Architect III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $98,345 and $104,968).
Architect III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 46.0% |
| Masters | 51.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how an Architect III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For an Architect III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Architect IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $111,975 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Salaries for an Architect III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,702 in 2023 to around $80,643 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Architect III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $81,702 |
| 2024 | $81,450 |
| 2025 | $80,643 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Architect III'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, an Architect III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Architect III is $117,930.
The highest pay for Architect III is $110,034.
The lowest pay for Architect III is $77,705.
Responsible for minor or small architectural projects. Selects, evaluates, and implements architectural procedures and techniques used to complete projects. Prepares sketches, drawings, and schematic designs. Prepares project estimates and completes architectural plans/renderings. Prepares reports and specifications as requested. Typically requires the use of more advanced techniques. May supervise and guide the work of lower-level architects. Requires a bachelor's degree in architecture. Requires a State Architect's License. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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.
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