The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is one of the most important federal agencies in the United States. It is responsible for maintaining and preserving the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and other historic federal buildings. Employees of the Architect of the Capitol play a crucial role in keeping these iconic structures safe, functional, and beautiful.
In 2025, there has been renewed attention on Capitol Architect employee salary by grade level in USA. As the cost of living continues to rise, many people want to understand how much employees of the AOC earn, what grade levels mean, and how benefits compare to other federal jobs.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of salary structures, grade levels, benefits, allowances, and career opportunities for Architect of the Capitol employees in 2025. Whether you are planning to join, already working in federal service, or simply curious, this article covers everything you need to know.
Salary Structure Overview
The salary of an Architect of the Capitol employee is based on a grade level system, similar to the General Schedule (GS) used by most federal employees. Each grade corresponds to a level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.
Key factors that determine AOC employee salaries include:
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Grade level: Higher grade = higher salary.
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Step increases: Employees within each grade receive incremental raises (steps).
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Experience and qualifications: More years of service or higher education can qualify employees for higher grades.
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Special assignments: Technical, supervisory, or high-risk duties may include additional pay.
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Location: Since most AOC employees work in Washington, D.C., pay reflects federal locality adjustments.
The starting salaries at lower grades may be around $35,000 – $40,000 per year, while senior-grade employees and specialists can earn over $150,000 annually.
How the Capitol Architect Salary System Works
Like most federal pay systems, the AOC uses a structured salary framework:
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Grade Levels (GS Equivalent)
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Employees are classified from entry-level (GS-5/6) to higher levels (GS-15 or equivalent).
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Steps within Each Grade
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Each grade has 10 steps, which represent small pay increases for time in service and good performance.
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Locality Pay Adjustments
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Since AOC employees are based in Washington, D.C., salaries include the D.C. locality adjustment, which is higher than the national base rate.
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Overtime and Premium Pay
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Employees working nights, weekends, or holidays may earn overtime pay.
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Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
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Salaries are reviewed yearly to reflect inflation and living costs.
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Capitol Architect Salary by Grade Level (2025 Update)
Below is an estimated breakdown of salaries for Capitol Architect employees by grade level in 2025. These figures are approximate and based on federal pay trends, including Washington, D.C. locality adjustments.
| Grade Level | Approx. Annual Salary (USD) | Monthly Salary (USD) | Typical Role/Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $37,500 – $48,500 | $3,125 – $4,041 | Entry-level technician, administrative support |
| GS-7 | $45,000 – $60,000 | $3,750 – $5,000 | Junior engineer, HR assistant, IT support |
| GS-9 | $55,000 – $72,000 | $4,583 – $6,000 | Architect trainee, project assistant |
| GS-11 | $67,000 – $85,000 | $5,583 – $7,083 | Professional engineer, mid-level analyst |
| GS-12 | $80,000 – $95,000 | $6,666 – $7,916 | Project manager, senior technical staff |
| GS-13 | $95,000 – $115,000 | $7,916 – $9,583 | Senior architect, team lead, senior analyst |
| GS-14 | $115,000 – $135,000 | $9,583 – $11,250 | Division chief, senior manager |
| GS-15 | $135,000 – $160,000+ | $11,250 – $13,333+ | Director, chief architect, senior executive |
Note: Salaries vary depending on steps within each grade and yearly adjustments.
Rank-by-Rank Breakdown of Roles and Salaries
GS-5 to GS-7: Entry-Level Positions
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Employees at this stage are typically recent graduates or those entering federal service for the first time.
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Roles may include administrative assistants, junior IT staff, and technicians.
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Salaries range from $37,500 to $60,000 annually.
GS-9 to GS-11: Mid-Level Professionals
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Employees have several years of experience or advanced education.
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Positions include project assistants, architect trainees, and engineers.
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Salaries range from $55,000 to $85,000.
GS-12 to GS-13: Senior Specialists and Managers
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At this stage, employees hold leadership responsibilities.
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Roles include project managers, senior architects, and technical specialists.
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Salaries range from $80,000 to $115,000.
GS-14 to GS-15: Senior Executives
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Employees at this level oversee divisions or entire programs.
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Examples: Division chiefs, senior managers, and directors.
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Salaries range from $115,000 to $160,000+.
Allowances and Benefits
Working for the Architect of the Capitol includes more than just salary. Employees also receive allowances and benefits:
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Health Insurance (multiple plan options)
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Retirement Benefits (FERS – Federal Employees Retirement System)
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
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Paid Leave (vacation, sick leave, federal holidays)
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Housing and Transport Allowances (D.C. locality helps cover higher costs)
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Training and Education Assistance
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Job Security as a federal employee
Comparison with Other Federal Agencies
Compared to other federal workers:
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Salaries are similar to General Schedule employees, with adjustments for technical skills.
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Benefits are nearly identical to those offered across the federal government.
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Work at AOC is highly specialized due to architectural, engineering, and preservation roles.
Key Influencing Factors in 2025
Several factors influence AOC salaries in 2025:
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Inflation and Cost of Living in Washington, D.C.
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Annual Federal Pay Adjustments authorized by Congress.
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Experience and Career Longevity of employees.
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Special Technical Skills in architecture, engineering, or preservation.
Joining Requirements
To work for the Architect of the Capitol:
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U.S. Citizenship is required.
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Background checks and security clearance.
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Relevant qualifications in fields such as architecture, engineering, law, IT, or administration.
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Physical and medical fitness for certain technical roles.
Career Progression
Career growth at AOC is structured and rewarding:
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Promotions through grades based on performance.
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Step increases for time served.
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Leadership training for employees moving into management.
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Special assignments offering higher pay and responsibility.
FAQs
1. What is the starting salary for an AOC employee in 2025?
The starting salary is around $37,500 annually at GS-5.
2. How much can a senior architect earn?
Senior architects at GS-14/15 can earn $115,000 – $160,000+ per year.
3. Do AOC employees get overtime?
Yes, employees may receive overtime and premium pay for extra hours.
4. What benefits do AOC employees get?
Health insurance, retirement, TSP, paid leave, and training benefits.
5. Are salaries adjusted for inflation?
Yes, annual cost-of-living adjustments apply.
6. Where are AOC employees based?
Most are located in Washington, D.C.
7. Do AOC employees receive housing allowances?
No direct housing allowance, but D.C. locality pay helps offset costs.
8. Can employees move between federal agencies?
Yes, many employees transfer within federal service.
9. Is the pay competitive compared to private sector?
Private sector architects may earn more, but AOC offers job security and federal benefits.
10. How many holidays do AOC employees get?
They receive all federal holidays plus annual leave and sick leave.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $37,500 (GS-5) |
| Highest Salary | $160,000+ (GS-15) |
| Work Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Pay Adjustments | Locality + COLA |
| Benefits | Health, retirement, TSP, paid leave |
| Promotion Path | GS-5 → GS-15, with steps |
| Career Stability | High (federal employment) |
Conclusion
The Capitol Architect employee salary by grade level in USA (2025 update) shows a clear, structured pay system that rewards experience, education, and responsibility. Starting salaries are competitive, and senior employees can earn well over $150,000 annually. Combined with federal benefits like retirement, health insurance, and job security, working at the AOC remains one of the most stable and rewarding career options in public service.
For anyone considering a career with the Architect of the Capitol, this salary guide provides a transparent look at what to expect in 2025 and beyond.