Architecture Degree in Modesto, CA — Salary & ROI 2026
Architecture degree analysis for Modesto, CA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$75K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$107K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
2.7 yrs
in Modesto
Cost of Living
130
index (100 = avg)
Architecture in Modesto, CA Overview
Modesto, California (pop. 218,464) has 9 colleges offering Architecture programs. The local cost of living index of 130 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,224/month. Architecture enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in AutoCAD and Revit. The adjusted starting salary in Modesto is approximately $75,400.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
9
Public Tuition
$1,540/yr
Private Tuition
$57,167/yr
Room & Board
$18,295/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$10,378/yr
Unemployment
4.2%
Graduation Rate
63%
Architecture Salary in Modesto (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Modesto's cost of living index of 130 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Architecture salary: $58,000 starting, $82,000 mid-career, $105,000 senior level.Modesto adjustment factor: 1.30x based on the local cost of living index.
Architecture ROI Calculator for Modesto
Estimate your return on investment for a Architecture degree using local Modesto tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $1,540 | Private avg: $57,167
Modesto avg aid: $10,378/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$79,340
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$29,900
vs HS diploma in Modesto
ROI Payback Period
2.7 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Modesto
$544,660
Lifetime earnings premium ($624,000) minus total education cost ($79,340)
Student Loan Payoff for Architecture in Modesto
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Modesto for Architecture
Modesto Junior College
public
$1,540/yr
$6,160 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Modesto Junior College
$1,540/yr
Top Employers for Architecture in Modesto
Modesto offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Architecture graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Modesto Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Architecture Job Titles
Architecture in Nearby California Cities
Los Angeles, CA
$82K starting · COL 141
69 colleges
San Diego, CA
$81K starting · COL 140
68 colleges
San Jose, CA
$75K starting · COL 129
95 colleges
San Francisco, CA
$66K starting · COL 114
22 colleges
Fresno, CA
$68K starting · COL 118
37 colleges
Sacramento, CA
$65K starting · COL 112
38 colleges
Long Beach, CA
$67K starting · COL 116
14 colleges
Oakland, CA
$77K starting · COL 132
13 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Modesto
UX Design
$65K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$65K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$65K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Graphic Design
$62K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Interior Design
$65K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$65K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$65K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$65K starting · 9 yr ROI
Architecture Degree in Modesto — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Architecture ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Modesto.