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
Related Engineering Jobs
Architect Salary FAQ
How much does a Architect make in 2026?
The median salary for a Architect in the United States is $86,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $54,000, while senior professionals earn up to $122,000. Top earners in the field can make $151,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Architect?
A Architect typically requires a Bachelor's of Architecture with 3-5 years (IDP) of experience. Key skills include AutoCAD, Revit, Building Codes. Relevant certifications such as ARE or LEED AP can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Architects?
The job market for Architects is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 120K Architect positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Architects the most?
The highest-paying states for Architects include New York, California, Texas. In New York, the median salary is approximately $99,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Architect salary?
To increase your Architect salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like AutoCAD and Revit. Pursue certifications such as ARE. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 3-5 years (IDP) of experience, you can progress from $54,000 to $122,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Architect Salary
How we calculate Architect salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $86,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Architect in the Engineering sector.
- Entry-level ($54,000) and senior-level ($122,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 120K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Engineering sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's of Architecture, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $86,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Architect compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Architect job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Architect salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (AutoCAD, Revit, Building Codes), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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