Architect Salary in 2026
Architects design buildings and structures, creating plans that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. They manage projects from concept through construction and collaborate with engineers.
Median Salary
$86,000
$7,167/mo
Entry Level
$54,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$122,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Architect Overview
Architects design buildings and structures, creating plans that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. They manage projects from concept through construction and collaborate with engineers.
Education
Bachelor's of Architecture
Experience
3-5 years (IDP)
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
120K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$41.35/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,167
Architect Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Architect salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Architect Salary
$99,000
$8,250/month · $3,808/biweekly · $47.60/hr
Architect Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Architect field.
Entry-level Architects earn around $54,000, while the top 10% earn $136,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Architects
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $101,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $99,000 | +$13,000 |
| Illinois | $89,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $84,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $84,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Architects
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $101,000 | +$15,000 |
| Los Angeles | $96,000 | +$10,000 |
| Chicago | $90,000 | +$4,000 |
| Miami | $88,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $85,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Architect Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Architect from entry level to expert.
$54,000
0-2 years
$88,000
3-7 years
$122,000
8-14 years
$151,000
15+ years
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Architect Salary FAQ
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