Architect Salary
in Seattle, WA

Architect Salary in Seattle, Washington: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Architect salary in Seattle, WA is $119,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Seattle–WA 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 Architect in Seattle

Entry-level Architects in Seattle with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $90,000 and $119,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $119,000 to $160,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $160,000 to $210,000 or more.

Cost of living in Seattle for Architects

Seattle has a cost of living index of 150 compared to the US national average of 100. Seattle's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Crucially, Washington has no state income tax — giving Seattle-based Architects an immediate 3–5% take-home pay advantage over workers in states like California (9.3%) or New York (6.85%).

Education requirements for Architect

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture; AIA license. 35% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.