Architecture is a career of vision, precision, and impact. For those drawn to shaping skylines and designing the spaces where we live, work, and play, it offers immense creative satisfaction. But beyond the drafting table and blueprints lies a practical question: What can you expect to earn? While seasoned, licensed architects can command six-figure salaries, those just starting their journey can also expect a competitive and promising financial outlook. A typical starting salary for an entry-level architect in the United States falls in the range of $60,000 to $75,000 annually, with numerous factors influencing that figure.
This guide will break down what an architect's salary looks like, from your first day on the job to the peak of your career, and explore the key factors that will shape your earning potential.
What Does an Architect Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. An architect is a licensed professional trained in the art and science of building design. Their responsibilities extend far beyond simple sketching. On any given day, an architect may:
- Meet with clients to understand their needs and vision.
- Develop detailed designs using software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
- Ensure designs comply with building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations.
- Collaborate with engineers, interior designers, and construction crews.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and contracts.
- Conduct site visits to monitor construction progress.
It is a dynamic, client-facing, and technically demanding role that blends creativity with rigorous project management.
Average Architect Salary: From Entry-Level to Senior
To understand a starting salary, it helps to see the full career landscape. The salary for an architect evolves significantly with experience and licensure.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for architects was $92,020 as of May 2023. This figure represents the midpoint of all architects' salaries. The BLS also provides a broader spectrum: the lowest 10% earned less than $57,320, while the highest 10% earned more than $146,750.
For professionals just entering the field (often titled Architectural Designer, Intern Architect, or Architect I), salary aggregators provide a more focused picture:
- Salary.com reports the median salary for an Architect I is around $66,901, with a typical range between $61,643 and $73,598 as of late 2024.
- Payscale notes that an entry-level Architect with less than one year of experience earns an average of $63,500.
- Glassdoor places the total estimated pay for an entry-level architect at around $69,000 per year, including base pay and potential additional compensation.
The key takeaway is that your starting salary is a foundational step. The most significant salary growth occurs after you gain a few years of experience and, most importantly, achieve professional licensure.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your starting salary isn't set in stone. Several key factors can directly impact your earning potential right out of school and throughout your career.
### Level of Education
In architecture, the path to licensure is closely tied to education. The standard requirement is a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This can be a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), which typically takes five years, or a Master of Architecture (M.Arch), which is for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. While both paths lead to licensure, holding a Master's degree can sometimes give candidates a slight edge in starting salary negotiations or open doors to research- and academic-focused roles. However, the most critical step for salary advancement is not the degree itself but using it to complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to become a licensed architect.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant driver of salary growth in architecture. The career path and its corresponding salary expectations can be broken down into clear stages:
- Entry-Level / Architectural Designer (0-3 years): In this phase, you work under the supervision of a licensed architect, focusing on drafting, modeling, and learning the practical aspects of the job. This is where you'll earn the typical starting salary of $60,000 - $75,000.
- Project Architect (3-8 years): After achieving licensure, your responsibilities and salary increase dramatically. You begin managing smaller projects, coordinating with teams, and having direct client contact. Salaries in this range often jump to $75,000 - $100,000.
- Senior Architect / Project Manager (8+ years): With significant experience, you lead large-scale projects, manage teams of architects, and oversee budgets and schedules. Earnings typically exceed $100,000 and can reach $130,000 or more.
- Principal / Partner (15+ years): At the highest level, you may own part of the firm, be responsible for business development, and lead the firm's overall design direction. Earning potential here is highest, often exceeding $150,000.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries for architects vary significantly based on the cost of living and the demand for construction and design services in a particular region. Metropolitan areas with robust construction markets tend to offer the highest salaries.
According to BLS data, the top-paying states for architects include:
- District of Columbia
- California
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Arizona
Conversely, salaries may be lower in rural areas or states with slower economic growth. However, it's crucial to balance a higher salary against a higher cost of living. A $90,000 salary in San Francisco may have less purchasing power than a $75,000 salary in a smaller midwestern city.
### Company Type
The type of firm you work for will also influence your paycheck and overall experience.
- Large, International Firms (e.g., Gensler, HOK, AECOM): These global giants often handle massive, high-profile projects. They typically offer higher starting salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and a structured path for advancement.
- Boutique Design Firms: Smaller, design-focused firms are known for their cutting-edge aesthetics and hands-on mentorship. While their starting salaries may be slightly more modest than large corporate firms, they offer invaluable design experience.
- Government and Public Sector: Working for city, state, or federal agencies provides stability, excellent benefits, and a focus on public projects like schools, parks, and infrastructure. Salaries are competitive but may not reach the highest peaks of the private sector.
- In-House Corporate Architects: Large corporations (like Google, Disney, or major retailers) hire architects to manage their real estate and building projects. These roles can be very lucrative and offer a different career path focused on a single client's brand and needs.
### Area of Specialization
As you progress in your career, developing a specialization can make you a more valuable—and higher-paid—professional. In-demand specializations include:
- Sustainable/Green Design: With a global focus on environmental impact, architects with LEED accreditation and expertise in sustainable building practices are highly sought after.
- Healthcare Architecture: Designing complex facilities like hospitals and labs requires specialized knowledge of regulations and technical systems, commanding higher pay.
- Technical Architecture (BIM): Experts in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software like Revit are essential for managing complex project data and are in high demand.
- Urban Design and Planning: This specialization focuses on the large-scale design of neighborhoods and cities, often involving public-private partnerships.
Job Outlook
The future for architects appears stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for architects is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
This growth is expected to be driven by the need to design and construct new buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, and offices. Furthermore, a strong emphasis on sustainable design and the retrofitting of older buildings to make them more energy-efficient will create ongoing demand for architectural services. While competition for positions at the most prestigious firms will remain strong, the overall outlook is positive for qualified professionals.
Conclusion
Embarking on a career in architecture is a long-term investment in a challenging and deeply rewarding profession. While your starting salary of approximately $60,000 to $75,000 is a solid foundation, it is truly just the beginning.
The path to higher earnings is clear: achieve your professional license, gain diverse experience, and consider developing a specialization in a high-demand area. By strategically navigating your education, location, and choice of employer, you can build a successful and financially rewarding career. The dedication required is significant, but for those with a passion for design, the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the built world is a reward in itself.