Salary for Architects in USA: A Comprehensive Guide
Mar 16, 2024
Growthitect Staff
Architects are professionals who design and plan buildings and other structures. The salary for architects in the United States varies depending onfactors such as experience, location, and education. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for architects in the United States was $82,320 in May 2022.
The salary for architects in the United States can vary widely. For example, architects in New York City have a median salary of $98,000, while architects in Los Angeles have a median salary of $82,000. Additionally, architects with advanced degrees or certifications may earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree.
Overall, the salary for architects in the United States is competitive with other professions requiring similar levels of education and experience. While the salary can vary depending on location and other factors, architects can generally expect to earn a good income and have opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Average Salary of Architects
National Average and Variations
According to Indeed, the average salary for an architect in the United States is $104,044 per year, as of February 15, 2024. However, the salary can vary depending on factors such as the architect's experience, education, location, and the type of firm they work for.
The AIA Compensation Survey Salary Calculator provides data for full-time architectural staff employees at AIA member firms in the U.S. with three or more architectural staff employees. The data is current as of Jan. 1, 2023, and shows that the median salary for an architect in the U.S. is $85,000 per year.
Best-Paying States for Architects
The best-paying states for architects in the U.S. are California, Massachusetts, and New York. According to
Forbes, as of 2020, the average annual salary for architects in California is $97,200, in Massachusetts is $93,370, and in New York is $92,940.
Comparison by Cities
Architects in Texas and Alabama earn lower salaries compared to other states. According to Glassdoor, as of 2024, the average salary for an architect in Houston, Texas is $89,000 per year, while in Birmingham, Alabama, it is $78,000 per year.
It is important to note that the salary for an architect can also vary depending on the city they work in. For example, according to Indeed, architects in San Francisco, California, earn an average salary of $147,240 per year, while architects in Dallas, Texas, earn an average salary of $98,330 per year.
Overall, the national average salary for architects in the U.S. is $104,044 per year, but it can vary depending on factors such as location and experience. Architects in California, Massachusetts, and New York are among the best-paid in the country, while architects in Texas and Alabama earn lower salaries compared to other states.
Factors Influencing Salary
The salary of an architect in the USA is influenced by various factors. Hereare some of the most important ones:
Education and Certifications
Education plays a crucial role in determining an architect's salary. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in architecture or a related field. According to Hiration, having a master's degree can increase an architect's salary by up to 20%.
Additionally, certifications such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification can also boost an architect's salary.
Relevant Job Experience
Relevant job experience is another important factor that affects an architect's salary. According to Salary.com, an architect with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $58,444, while an architect with 20 or more years of experience can earn an average salary of $97,187. However, it's important to note that experience alone may not be enough to command a higher salary. Architects must also demonstrate their ability to apply their experience to solve complex problems and deliver high-quality results.
Additional Skills and Specializations
Architects with additional skills and specializations can also earn higher salaries. For example, an architect with expertise in sustainable design or building information modeling (BIM) can command a higher salary. Additionally, architects who have experience with project management and communication skills can also earn higher salaries as they can effectively manage projects and communicate with clients and stakeholders.
In conclusion, architects' salaries in the USA are influenced by various factors such as education, relevant job experience, and additional skills. Architects who invest in their education, gain relevant job experience, and acquire additional skills and specializations can expect to earn higher salaries.
Salary by Job Role
Architects in the United States have a median salary of $82,840 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can vary depending on the job role. Here are the salaries for three different job roles in the architecture field:
Intern Architect I
An Intern Architect I is an entry-level position for someone who has recently graduated from an accredited architecture program. The average salary for an Intern Architect I in the United States is $47,000 per year according to Indeed. This position typically involves working under the supervision of a licensed architect and gaining experience in the field.
Project Manager
A Project Manager in the architecture field is responsible for managing construction projects from start to finish. This includes overseeing the design, planning, and scheduling of the project. The average salary for a Project Manager in the United States is $88,000 per year according to Glassdoor. This position requires strong leadership skills and theability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Design Manager
A Design Manager is responsible for overseeing the design process for an architecture project. This includes managing a team of designers and ensuring that the project meets the client's needs. The average salary for a Design Manager in the United States is $104,000 per year according to US News BestJobs. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
In summary, the salary for architects in the United States can vary depending on the job role. An Intern Architect I can expect to earn around $47,000 per year, while a Project Manager can expect to earn around $88,000 per year and a Design Manager can expect to earn around $104,000 per year.
Understanding Compensation Packages
Architects in the USA are compensated through a variety of means, including base salary, annual incentives, and other pay elements. Understanding the different components of compensation packages is essential for architects to make informed decisions about their careers.
Base Salary vs. Total Compensation
Base salary is the fixed amount of money paid to an architect for their work. This amount does not include any additional compensation such as bonuses, benefits, or stock options. On the other hand, total compensation opportunity includes all forms of compensation that an architect may receive, including base salary, annual incentives, and other pay elements.
While base salary is an important factor in determining an architect's compensation, it is important to consider the total compensation opportunity when evaluating job offers. This is because total compensation opportunity can vary significantly between different employers and can have a significant impact on an architect's overall compensation.
Other Pay Elements
In addition to base salary and annual incentives, architects may receive other pay elements as part of their compensation packages. These may include bonuses, benefits, and stock options.
Bonuses are typically paid annually and are based on an architect's performance over the course of the year. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, and other forms of compensation that are not directly tied to an architect's performance. Stock options are another form of compensation that may be offered to architects, allowing them to purchase company stock at a discounted price.
Core compensation and total cash compensation are two other important factors to consider when evaluating an architect's compensation package. Core compensation includes base salary and annual incentives, while total cash compensation includes all forms of compensation, including bonuses, benefits, and stock options.
In summary, understanding the various components of compensation packages is essential for architects to make informed decisions about their careers. While base salary is an important factor, architects should also consider other pay elements and total compensation opportunity when evaluating job offers.
Employment Outlook and Trends
The employment outlook for architects in the USA is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 5% growth rate from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,200 openings for architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade [1].
The architecture industry is closely tied to the construction industry, and as such, trends in construction can impact the demand for architects. In recent years, construction activity has been increasing, which has contributed to the growth in demand for architects. Architects are also increasingly being sought after to design sustainable buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly [2].
Architects are not limited to working on building sites, as they can also work in a variety of industries such as engineering, design, and consulting. The demand for architects in these industries is also on the rise. For example, the AIA Compensation & Benefits Report shows that the number of architecture firms reporting data has increased by 58% since 2021, and the number of positions for which data was collected has increased by 53% to 16,308 [3].
The average base pay for architects in the United States is $86,500 as of March 2021 [4]. The salary that an architect earns varies by geography, years of experience, and level of education. Starting salaries for newly licensed professionals average around $60,000 per year, while the best-paid 25% of architects make over $105,190 per year [1].
Overall, the employment outlook for architects in the USA is positive, with steady growth projected over the next decade. The architecture industry is dynamic, with architects working in a variety of industries and on a range of projects, from building sites to sustainable buildings.