The Average Salary of an Architect: How Much Can You Expect to Earn?

Architecture is a demanding field that requires creativity, technical expertise, and a passion for design. If you're considering a career as an architect, one of the first questions you may have is how much you can expect to earn. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the average salary of an architect and what factors can impact your earning potential.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for architects in the United States was $80,180 as of May 2021. However, the range of salaries can vary widely depending on a number of factors such as experience, location, and type of employer.

For example, architects who work in the private sector tend to earn more than those who work in the public sector. Similarly, architects who work in high-paying metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, New York, and Boston can expect to earn more than those in lower-paying areas.

Experience and Education

Experience and education are two of the most important factors that can impact an architect's salary. Typically, architects with more experience and advanced degrees can command higher salaries. For example, architects with 10 or more years of experience may earn 20% to 30% more than those just starting out in their careers. Here is a general overview of what one can expect based on experience level:

• Entry-Level: Architects just starting out in their careers can expect to earn a median salary of around $50,000 to $60,000. 
• Mid-Level: Architects with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to see a substantial increase in their salary. They can expect to earn a median salary of around $70,000 to $90,000. 
• Senior-Level: Architects with 10 or more years of experience can expect to earn the highest salaries in the field. They can expect to earn a median salary of around $90,000 to $120,000 or more. 

Additionally, architects who hold a master's degree or a professional architecture license (such as the Architectural Registration Exam) can expect to earn more than those with only a bachelor's degree. This is because advanced education and licensure demonstrate a higher level of skill and expertise, which can be attractive to potential employers.Here is a general overview of what one can expect based on their education level:

• Bachelor's Degree: Architects who hold a bachelor's degree in architecture can expect to earn a median salary of around $50,000 to $70,000. This is the minimum education requirement for becoming an architect, and having a bachelor's degree can help architects secure entry-level positions in the field.
• Master's Degree: Architects who hold a master's degree in architecture can expect to earn a higher salary compared to those with just a bachelor's degree. A master's degree can demonstrate a higher level of skill and expertise, and can lead to more complex and higher-paying projects. Architects with a master's degree can expect to earn a median salary of around $70,000 to $90,000.
• Professional License: Architects have a high level of competency and expertise, and can be attractive to potential employers. Architects with a professional license can expect to earn a median salary of around $80,000 to $120,000 or more.

Specialization

Another factor that can impact an architect's salary is specialization. Architects who specialize in areas such as healthcare, hospitality, or sustainable design can earn more than those who specialize in residential design. This is because specialized fields often require a higher level of skill and expertise, and can lead to more complex and higher-paying projects. Here is a general overview of what one can expect based on their area of specialization:

• Residential Architecture: Architects specializing in residential design can expect to earn a median salary of around $70,000 to $90,000. This can vary depending on the complexity of the projects they work on and the type of employer.
• Commercial Architecture: Architects specializing in commercial design, such as office buildings, retail spaces, and hotels, can expect to earn a higher salary compared to those specializing in residential design. They can expect to earn a median salary of around $80,000 to $120,000.
• Landscape Architecture: Architects specializing in landscape design can expect to earn a median salary of around $70,000 to $90,000. This can vary depending on the complexity of the projects they work on and the type of employer.
• Urban Design: Architects specializing in urban design, such as city planning and development, can expect to earn a higher salary compared to those specializing in residential or landscape design. They can expect to earn a median salary of around $80,000 to $120,000.
• Sustainable Architecture: Architects specializing in sustainable design can expect to earn a median salary of around $70,000 to $90,000. This area of specialization is becoming increasingly important, and architects with expertise in sustainable design can expect to earn a higher salary as demand for their skills grows.

Location

Location is another important factor that can impact an architect's salary. Architects who work in high-cost-of-living cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Boston can expect to earn more than those who work in lower-cost areas. Additionally, the cost of living in a given area can also impact an architect's salary, as a higher salary may be required to cover the increased cost of living.  Here is a general overview of what one can expect based on location:

• Urban Areas: Architects working in large urban areas, such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, can expect to earn higher salaries compared to those working in smaller cities or rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in urban areas and the higher demand for architects and their services. Architects in urban areas can expect to earn a median salary of around $80,000 to $120,000 or more.
• Suburban and Rural Areas: Architects working in suburban and rural areas can expect to earn a lower salary compared to those working in urban areas. This is due to the lower cost of living and lower demand for architects and their services in these areas. Architects in suburban and rural areas can expect to earn a median salary of around $60,000 to $80,000.

Private vs. Public Sector

Finally, the type of employer can also impact an architect's salary. Architects who work in the private sector, such as architecture firms or real estate development companies, tend to earn more than those who work in the public sector, such as government agencies or non-profit organizations. This is because private sector employers often have more financial resources to invest in salaries and benefits. Here is a general overview of what one can expect based on whether they work in the private or public sector:

• Private Sector: Architects working in the private sector, such as architecture firms or real estate developers, can expect to earn a higher salary compared to those working in the public sector. This is due to the higher demand for architects and their services in the private sector, and the competition among private sector employers to attract top talent. Architects in the private sector can expect to earn a median salary of around $70,000 to $120,000 or more.
• Public Sector: Architects working in the public sector, such as government agencies or non-profit organizations, can expect to earn a lower salary compared to those working in the private sector. This is due to budget constraints and the limited demand for architects and their services in the public sector. Architects in the public sector can expect to earn a median salary of around $60,000 to $80,000.

The average salary of an architect can vary widely depending on a number of factors such as experience, education, specialization, location, and type of employer. Architects who have more experience, advanced degrees, and specialize in high-demand areas can expect to earn higher salaries. Additionally, architects who work in high-cost-of-living cities or the private sector can also expect to earn more. Ultimately, the key to earning a higher salary as an architect is to develop your skills and expertise, and to be open to new opportunities and challenges.