How many years of experience did it take for you to surpass $100k?

I have an architecture undergrad but ultimately didn’t get a job in the industry upon graduating since I was expected to get my masters (couldn’t afford it at the time). I’ve since pivoted to engineering and been there 2 years. I’m located in a HCOL and have worked very hard to climb to a salary of $95k.

In working in engineering, I’ve realized I truly would love to come back and work in architecture, but I’m very much deterred by the salaries. I don’t want to regress in my salary but it seems like in architecture you don’t surpass $100k until 5+ years of experience or until licensure. In my current role, I’d probably be set to cross $100k in about a year. Lastly, I would have an easier time earning a license in architecture since my undergrad is in that. I’ve run into some big hurdles for getting licensed in engineering since I don’t have an engineering degree.

Should I completely rule out any aspiration to switch back to architecture? How many years of experience were you when you surpassed $100k? I know this varies by location. If anyone has an idea of salaries in HCOL areas that would be ideal