Architect salaries in the United States vary widely depending on experience, location, specialization, and employer. On average, architects earn around $107,945 to $110,212 per year
. According to US News, the median salary for architects in 2023 was $93,310, with the top 25% earning about $116,780 and the bottom 25% around $73,240
. Entry-Level Salaries:
- Entry-level architects typically earn between $35,000 and $76,993 per year, with an average around $62,076
- Some reports indicate starting salaries can be as low as $43,000 and up to about $65,000 depending on region and firm size
Experienced Architects:
- Experienced architects, especially those with in-demand skills like Building Information Modeling (BIM) management, sustainable design, or urban planning, can earn between $130,000 and $151,000 or more
- Senior architects or principals in firms can make $120,000+ and with bonuses may approach $200,000 annually
Geographic Variation:
- Salaries are higher in certain metropolitan areas, with San Francisco and San Jose, California, offering salaries around $136,000, and California overall averaging about $120,780
- Other top-paying states include the District of Columbia, Wyoming, Alaska, and Nevada, with salaries ranging from $110,000 to $115,000
Hourly Wage:
- The typical hourly rate for architects is about $46.40 as of recent data
In summary, architects in the U.S. generally earn between $60,000 at entry- level to over $150,000 with experience and specialization, with location playing a significant role in salary differences.
