Architects typically earn a salary that is commensurate with their experience, education, and the type of organization they work for. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for architects in the United States in 2020 was $79,380. The lowest 10 percent of architects earned less than $51,830, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $141,810.
The salary for architects can vary depending on a number of factors, such as:
- Type of employer: Architects working in the government sector tend to earn less than those working in the private sector. Architects working for large architecture firms may also earn more than those working for smaller firms.
- Level of experience: Architects who are just starting out in their careers tend to earn less than those who have been working for several years. Architects who have reached a senior level within their firm may earn more than those who are just starting out.
- Education: Architects with advanced degrees, such as a Master of Architecture, tend to earn more than those with just a Bachelor of Architecture.
- Location: Architects working in larger cities, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to earn more than those working in smaller cities or rural areas.
It’s also important to note that the salary for an architect can vary depending on industry and sector. For example, an architect working on residential projects is likely to have a different salary than an architect working on transportation infrastructure, or government building and hospital design.
So, salary for architects can vary greatly, but overall it’s a stable career with good earning potential, and many opportunities to advance in their career with experience and time.