Principal Architect salary in Canada

Average Yearly Salary of Principal Architect in Canada is approximately 150,918 CAD (150,872 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Principal Architect do?

A principal architect is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the design and development of architectural projects. They are involved in every stage of the project, from conceptualization to completion. Their primary role is to provide strategic guidance and leadership to the architectural team, ensuring that the design aligns with the client's vision and meets all regulatory requirements. The principal architect collaborates with clients, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to develop innovative and sustainable architectural solutions. They are responsible for managing budgets, timelines, and resources, and ensuring that the project stays on track. The principal architect also plays a crucial role in mentoring and developing junior architects, providing guidance and feedback to help them grow professionally.

Skills: Principal Architect, Architecture, Design, Leadership, Project Management, Sustainable Design
Job industry: Architecture

How much does Principal Architect make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Principal Architect a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Principal Architect is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Principal Architect?

High salary for Principal Architect would be somewhere between 166,010 CAD and 218,831 CAD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Principal Architect in Canada?

Living in Canada the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,118 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 150,918 CAD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,577 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,902 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 73 CAD per hour
By working as Principal Architect a person can save up to 10,454 USD per month or 125,451 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in Canada, see costs of living in Canada.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: United States of America.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Architect

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in Canada

Data as of 2025

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