Architects earn a median annual salary of approximately $99,270, or about $47.73 per hour, according to 2024 BLS data for SOC 17-1011 (Architects, Except Naval).
This positions architecture as a well-compensated profession requiring significant education and licensure — typically a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or a graduate degree, followed by an Architectural Experience Program (AXP) internship and the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
The occupation is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the national average, with the BLS estimating approximately 12,100 job openings per year on average.
Factors that affect architect compensation include project specialization, firm type and size, geographic market, licensure status, and whether the architect is employed by a firm or self-employed.
Architects in major metro areas, large firms, or high-demand specialties — such as healthcare design or sustainable architecture — may earn above the national median.
For related engineering and design profession pay, compare the civil engineer salary and electrical engineer salary.
Architect Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, architects (SOC 17-1011) earned a median annual wage of approximately $99,270 as of 2024 BLS data. The median hourly rate was approximately $47.73.
The median wage is the midpoint — half of architects earn more and half earn less.
The mean (average) may be higher, as principals and partners at large architecture firms in major cities can earn substantially above the median.
The table below shows the estimated wage distribution for architects based on 2024 BLS data:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | ~$57,000 | ~$27.40 |
| 25th | ~$73,000 | ~$35.10 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$99,270 | ~$47.73 |
| 75th | ~$135,000 | ~$64.90 |
| 90th | ~$180,000 | ~$86.54 |
To see exactly how wages like $47 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $47 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Architect Pay by Experience Level
Architect compensation follows a clear progression tied to licensure status and years of experience.
Unlicensed professionals — those completing the AXP internship after earning their degree — typically earn less than fully licensed architects.
After passing the ARE and obtaining state licensure, architects gain access to higher-paying positions and greater project responsibility.
Advancement to project architect, project manager, associate principal, and principal or partner roles typically involves progressively higher compensation.
| Career Stage | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Architectural Intern / Unlicensed (0–3 years) | $50,000 – $68,000 |
| Licensed Architect (3–7 years) | $72,000 – $105,000 |
| Project Architect / Manager (7–15 years) | $100,000 – $145,000 |
| Principal / Partner (15+ years) | $140,000 – $250,000+ |
These are estimates based on 2024 BLS data and industry compensation data. Firm size, geographic market, and specialization substantially affect where an individual falls within these ranges.
Specialization Differences
Architecture specializations include healthcare design, commercial and corporate interiors, residential design, urban planning integration, sustainable/LEED design, historic preservation, and education facility design.
Healthcare architects — whose work is heavily regulated and involves complex building codes — are typically among the higher-compensated specializations due to the technical demands and liability involved.
Sustainable design specialists with LEED AP credentials may command premium rates at firms prioritizing green building.
Architects who move into construction management, real estate development, or owner-side project management roles may also see compensation above the standard architecture firm salary range.
Architect Salary by State and Region
Geographic location significantly affects architect pay.
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, states such as New York, California, and Massachusetts report higher median wages for architects, reflecting both higher costs of living and concentration of large commercial architectural projects.
New York City and San Francisco consistently rank among the highest-paying markets for architecture professionals in nominal terms.
However, cost of living must be considered when comparing salaries across markets.
The cost of living in New York means an architect earning $110,000 there may have less real purchasing power than one earning $85,000 in a lower-cost Midwest city.
Architects in Texas — where cities like Austin and Dallas have seen significant construction growth — may find that the cost of living in Texas makes mid-range salaries go considerably farther.
Architects in secondary markets such as Austin, Denver, Nashville, and Charlotte have seen increased demand and wage growth in recent years as construction activity in those cities has expanded.
Factors That Affect Architect Pay
A variety of factors influence architect compensation, including firm type and size, specialization, licensure, and project sector.
Firm Size and Type
Large national and international architecture firms (firms with 100+ employees) typically offer higher base salaries and more structured compensation than small boutique practices.
However, small firms may offer greater creative latitude and faster advancement to project leadership.
Government-employed architects — in state or federal agencies — are paid on public pay scales with comprehensive benefits.
In-house architects employed by large corporate real estate owners, hospital systems, or developers may also see competitive compensation.
Licensure
Architect licensure requires completing the AXP (Architectural Experience Program), passing all six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and meeting state-specific requirements.
Licensed architects can legally stamp drawings, manage projects independently, and take on greater professional responsibility — all of which support higher compensation.
Unlicensed interns — even those with graduate degrees — typically earn less than licensed counterparts for the same years of post-degree experience.
Project Sector
The type of projects a firm or architect focuses on influences earnings.
Commercial, healthcare, and large institutional projects (universities, government buildings) tend to generate higher fees and support larger staff with competitive salaries.
Residential architecture — particularly luxury custom homes — may offer high per-project fees in the right markets.
Public sector and affordable housing projects often generate lower fees, which can compress staff salaries at firms that focus exclusively on that work.
Leadership and Business Development
Architects who advance into firm leadership — as principals or partners — typically earn the most.
This reflects their role in business development (bringing in new clients), project profitability oversight, and firm management.
Architects with strong client relationships and a consistent record of winning new work are among the most valued at architecture firms and often earn compensation packages that include profit sharing or equity.
Partners and principals with high total compensation should ensure they are working with a financial advisor who meets the fiduciary standard to optimize tax, investment, and retirement planning.
Architect Career Outlook
The employment outlook for architects is positive.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of architects is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all occupations.
The BLS estimates approximately 12,100 job openings per year on average, driven by construction activity, building renovation needs, and sustainable design demand.
Key growth drivers include demand for healthcare facility expansions and modernizations, the retrofit of commercial buildings for energy efficiency and sustainability, continued residential and commercial construction in growing metro areas, and increased emphasis on resilient design in response to climate change-driven weather events.
As of 2026, architects with expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric design, and sustainable construction are particularly well-positioned in the job market.
Architects should approach all firm partnership and job offer negotiations with informed negotiating a job offer strategies, and build retirement savings through a Roth IRA or SEP-IRA in addition to any firm-sponsored plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for an architect?
According to 2024 BLS data, architects (SOC 17-1011) earned a median annual wage of approximately $99,270, or about $47.73 per hour. Earnings vary by experience level, firm size, specialization, and geographic market.
How does licensure affect architect salary?
Licensed architects — those who have completed the AXP internship and passed the ARE — typically earn more than unlicensed architectural professionals.
Licensure allows an architect to stamp drawings, lead projects independently, and take on greater professional responsibility, all of which support higher compensation.
The salary gap between licensed and unlicensed professionals generally widens with experience.
Which architecture specializations pay the most?
Healthcare design architects are typically among the highest-compensated due to the technical complexity and regulatory demands of healthcare construction.
Commercial and corporate architecture at large firms in major markets also tends to pay above the overall median.
Architects who move into principal or partner roles — regardless of specialization — see the highest total compensation.
Do architects in New York or California earn more?
Architects in New York and California tend to earn higher nominal salaries than those in lower-cost states, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
However, cost of living in those states is also significantly higher.
Real purchasing power — salary relative to local cost of living — may be comparable or lower than in less expensive markets.
What is the job growth outlook for architects?
The BLS projects 5% employment growth for architects from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 12,100 openings per year.
Growth is driven by healthcare facility construction, sustainable building retrofits, residential construction in growing metro areas, and resilient design demand.
Architects with BIM and sustainability expertise are particularly in demand as of 2026.
Architects at any career stage can also review retirement savings targets and track financial milestones using net worth by age percentile data.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Architects, Except Naval (SOC 17-1011). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes171011.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Architects. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (17-1011.00). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-1011.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026