How Much Does an Architect Make?
Architects made a median salary of $82,840 in 2022. The best-paid 25% made $105,190 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $65,220.
Salary Outlook
What is the Outlook for Architects?
The BLS projects the architect field will grow 5% by 2032, with 6,000 jobs added by that time. Architects who specialize in or use sustainable design are expected to especially be in demand.
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Best-Paying Cities for Architects
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the architect profession are San Francisco, Birmingham, San Jose, Daphne, and Atlantic City.
| San Francisco, California | $128,330 |
| Birmingham, Alabama | $120,430 |
| San Jose, California | $119,270 |
| Daphne, Alabama | $115,450 |
| Atlantic City, New Jersey | $113,940 |
The 5 Best-Paying Cities for Architects
Best-Paying States for Architects
The states and districts that pay Architects the highest mean salary are District of Columbia ($116,990), California ($112,210), Nevada ($108,220), New Jersey ($107,380), and Massachusetts ($106,540).
| District of Columbia, DC | $116,990 |
| California, CA | $112,210 |
| Nevada, NV | $108,220 |
| New Jersey, NJ | $107,380 |
| Massachusetts, MA | $106,540 |
What is the Architect Salary by Place of Employment?
In addition to location and education, factors such as specialty, industry and employer can impact an architect's salary. The top-paying industries with the highest average annual salaries for this career are agencies, brokerages and other insurance-related activities ($171,340); management, scientific and technical consulting services ($140,490); scientific research and development services ($135,400); general medical and surgical hospitals ($117,990); and other heavy and civil engineering construction ($117,330). Many architects work full time and after hours. Architects who are self-employed may have a more flexible schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does an architect make per hour?
A: The average hourly wage for an architect was $46.40 in 2022.
Q: What is an architect’s salary in California?
A: In 2022, architects earned an average salary of $112,210 in California.
A: The average hourly wage for an architect was $46.40 in 2022.
Q: What is an architect’s salary in California?
A: In 2022, architects earned an average salary of $112,210 in California.
Average Architect Pay vs. Other Best Jobs
Architects earned an average salary of $96,510 in 2022. Comparable jobs earned the following average salary in 2022: Environmental Engineers made $101,670, Mechanical Engineers made $100,820, Civil Engineers made $97,380, and Cartographers made $75,300.
Environmental Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Civil Engineer
Architect
Cartographer
Jobs Related to Architect
Cartographer - Average Salary $75,300
Cartographers draw maps for a living. You’ll find maps in everything from newspapers to your smartphone, giving you directions for getting from point A to B.
Mechanical Engineer - Average Salary $100,820
Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build and test various devices.
Environmental Engineer - Average Salary $101,670
Environmental engineers work to prevent, control or correct any potential environmental hazards.
Civil Engineer - Average Salary $97,380
A civil engineer designs and maintains public works and facilities including roads, bridges, water and energy systems, ports and airports.
Cartographers draw maps for a living. You’ll find maps in everything from newspapers to your smartphone, giving you directions for getting from point A to B.
Mechanical Engineer - Average Salary $100,820
Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build and test various devices.
Environmental Engineer - Average Salary $101,670
Environmental engineers work to prevent, control or correct any potential environmental hazards.
Civil Engineer - Average Salary $97,380
A civil engineer designs and maintains public works and facilities including roads, bridges, water and energy systems, ports and airports.