ArchitectureUpdated Q1 2026

Director of Architecture Salary
in Alexandria, VA

Lead architecture teams, set design standards, and manage large-scale projects. Median salary in Alexandria: $182K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$182K
per year
Take-home: $118K

Salary range in Alexandria

Entry level (25th)$139,000
Median (50th)$182,000
Senior (75th)$235,000
Top earner (90th)$306,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Alexandria, Virginia. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Alexandria

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

17% premium vs national median

Director of Architectures in Alexandria earn approximately 17% higher than the US national median for this role — a $27,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Alexandria's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Alexandria's cost-of-living index (145), the median Director of Architecture salary buys the equivalent of $125,517 in a US-average-cost city. That's $29,483 less purchasing power than the national median — the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Key facts for Alexandria

Median salary
$182K
annual
Take-home pay
$118K
after fed/state tax
COL index
145
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,400
per month
YoY growth
+4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Alexandria Director of Architecture to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $182K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Alexandria

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Director of Architecture salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$152K$166K$179K$193K$206K201920212023202520272029
2026
$187K
projected
2027
$191K
projected
2028
$196K
projected
2029
$201K
projected
2030
$206K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$182,000+$0
2028 projected$182,000+$0
2029 projected$182,000+$0
2030 projected$182,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Director of Architecture Salary in Alexandria, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Director of Architecture salary in Alexandria, VA is $182,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Alexandria–VA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Director of Architecture in Alexandria

Entry-level Director of Architectures in Alexandria with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $139,000 and $182,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $182,000 to $235,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $235,000 to $306,000 or more.

Cost of living in Alexandria for Director of Architectures

Alexandria has a cost of living index of 145 compared to the US national average of 100. Alexandria's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Virginia has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Director of Architecture

Master's in Architecture; licensed architect; 12+ years. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Director of Architecture salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Alexandria (current)$182K145
Virginia Beach$155K98
Norfolk$153K95
Chesapeake$155K98
Richmond$152K98
Newport News$153K95