Architecture Career Salaries: What to Expect at Every Stage

Architecture career salaries vary significantly depending on where you are in your professional journey. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for May 2024, the median annual wage for architects was $96,690, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $60,510 and the highest 10 percent exceeding $159,800. Whether you are an intern drafting your first construction documents or a principal architect overseeing a multi-million-dollar portfolio, understanding these salary benchmarks will help you plan your finances and negotiate effectively at each career stage.

This article breaks down architect salary data by experience level, specialization (including landscape architect and interior architect roles), and geographic location. You will find updated 2025 figures, practical negotiation tips, and strategies for maximizing your earning potential throughout your career.

Overview of Architecture Career Salaries

Understanding the salary expectations at different career stages in architecture is crucial for financial planning. Factors like experience, location, and specialization significantly impact earnings. The average architect salary in the United States falls between $80,000 and $97,000 depending on the data source, with the AIA Compensation and Benefits Report 2025 providing one of the most detailed industry-specific breakdowns based on data from over 800 firms and 13,000 reported positions.

Factors Influencing Architect Salary

Several factors affect salaries in architecture. First, experience level plays a critical role. Architects with more years of experience typically earn higher salaries compared to those just starting. For instance, junior architects with 0 to 3 years of experience might earn between $55,000 and $65,000 annually based on 2025 data from Salary.com, while senior architects with over 10 years of experience can earn upwards of $120,000.

Second, specialization matters. Certain specializations, such as sustainable design, healthcare architecture, or urban planning, often command higher salaries due to the specific skill sets required. The salary for architect engineer roles in construction management also tends to run higher than traditional design-focused positions.

Third, education impacts earnings. Architects holding a Master’s degree or higher generally see higher income brackets compared to those with just a Bachelor’s degree. According to Salary.com employer-reported data for 2025, the median salary for an architect with a Bachelor’s degree falls between $98,000 and $105,000, while those with advanced degrees can see even higher compensation.

Finally, firm size makes a difference. Architects at large firms with 100 or more employees typically earn 15 to 25 percent more than those at small practices with fewer than 10 people, though smaller firms may offer other benefits like faster advancement and project ownership.

Variations by Geographic Location

Geographic location influences salary variations within the architecture field. In urban areas, salaries are typically higher due to the increased cost of living and the number of high-value projects. For example, architects in New York City may earn significantly more than those in smaller towns.

Regional demand also affects salaries. Areas with booming construction markets like San Francisco or Chicago often offer higher wages to attract skilled architects. Conversely, locations with less construction activity tend to have lower salary ranges.

The influence of local economy cannot be ignored. Architects working in economically prosperous regions often see better compensation packages compared to those in less affluent areas. For example, an architect operating in tech-driven regions like Silicon Valley may earn more due to the wealth circulating in that area.

Based on Salary.com data for February 2026, the top-paying states for architects include the District of Columbia ($104,535), California ($104,139), Massachusetts ($102,751), and Washington ($102,373).

Architect Salary Comparison Table by Career Stage

The following table summarizes typical architect salary ranges at each career level, based on aggregated 2024 and 2025 data from BLS, Salary.com, and the AIA Compensation Report:

Entry-Level Architect Salaries

Starting a career in architecture involves understanding the entry-level salary expectations. Early-career earnings are influenced by internships, graduate programs, and negotiation strategies. The typical architect salary for someone just entering the workforce has increased over recent years, reflecting both inflation and growing demand for design professionals.

Internships and Graduate Programs

Internships and graduate programs provide vital hands-on experience. Entry-level architects participating in internships usually earn between $20 and $30 per hour based on current market rates. In the United States, formal graduate programs and first-job positions may offer salaries ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on the firm and location. According to the BLS May 2024 data, the bottom 10 percent of architects earned less than $60,510, which aligns with entry-level compensation ranges. These roles often come with mentorship opportunities, providing real-world skills and knowledge that accelerate career growth.

Tips for Negotiating Your First Architect Salary

Negotiating your first salary may significantly impact your earnings. Research industry standards in your geographic location using resources like the AIA Compensation and Benefits Report and prepare a strong case highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Mention any notable projects or awards from school. If possible, leverage offers from competing firms to strengthen your negotiation position. Being informed and prepared can increase your starting salary by 10 to 20 percent.

Another important factor is licensure status. Architects who have passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) typically earn more than unlicensed graduates, even at the entry level. Investing in exam preparation during your first few years can pay off substantially. For more guidance on launching your career, see our article on becoming an architect: education and career path.

Mid-Career Architect Salaries

In the mid-career stage, architects see substantial salary growth. This period often marks significant professional development and increased responsibilities. The average salary for architects with 3 to 8 years of experience reaches approximately $95,000 to $115,000 according to Monograph’s 2025 Architecture and Business Benchmark Report, which draws on data from over 1,500 architecture firms.

Roles and Responsibilities

Mid-career architects typically manage complex projects. Their duties include overseeing junior architects, ensuring design integrity, and coordinating with clients and contractors. They also focus on sustainable practices and emerging technologies. Their expanded role leads to increased earnings. Many architects at this stage also begin specializing in areas like healthcare design, commercial architecture, or mixed-use development, which can further boost compensation.

How to Maximize Your Earnings

Architects can maximize earnings by obtaining additional certifications such as LEED AP, WELL AP, or Passive House certification. Specializing in high-demand areas like green building or historic preservation can boost salaries. Also, networking within industry associations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) helps secure higher-paying projects. Relocating to regions with higher demand for architectural services can also improve salary prospects.

Developing project management skills is another proven strategy. Architects who can manage budgets, timelines, and client relationships effectively become more valuable to their firms. Consider pursuing a PMP certification or similar credential if you want to move into project leadership roles, where architects salary ranges often jump by 15 to 25 percent.

Senior-Level Architect Salaries

Senior-level architects often see significant salary increases due to their extensive experience and managerial responsibilities within a firm. At this stage, the average architect salary regularly exceeds $120,000, and top earners can reach $160,000 or more depending on firm size and location.

Positions and Typical Experience

Senior architects typically have over 15 years of experience. They often hold titles like Principal Architect, Lead Architect, or Senior Project Manager. Their roles involve overseeing multiple projects, leading design teams, and consulting with high-profile clients. Specializing in areas like urban planning or high-end residential projects can further boost their earnings. According to BLS data for May 2024, the top 10 percent of architects earned more than $159,800 annually.

At the management level, compensation rises even further. The BLS reports that architectural and engineering managers earned a median annual wage of $167,740 in May 2024, with the top 10 percent exceeding $239,200.

Transitioning to Senior Roles

To transition into senior roles, architects need to demonstrate a strong portfolio of completed projects and possess advanced leadership skills. Enhancing these chances includes obtaining additional certifications, networking with industry leaders, and pursuing continuous professional development. Geographical relocation might also be needed to tap into lucrative markets. For practical tips on advancing your career, explore our guide to architect job search tips for landing your next role.

Landscape Architect Salary: What to Expect

Landscape architecture is one of the most popular specializations, and the salary for a landscape architect differs from traditional building architects. According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024 data), the median annual wage for landscape architects was $79,660, with employment projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034.

Here is how the landscape architect salary breaks down by experience level, based on aggregated data from PayScale, Glassdoor, and Salary.com for 2025:

The architect landscape salary is generally lower than that of building architects, which reflects the different project scales and fee structures in the two disciplines. However, landscape architects who specialize in environmental remediation, stormwater management, or large-scale urban design projects can close that gap. High-paying cities for this specialization include San Jose, CA, New York, NY, and Boston, MA.

Interior Architect Salary: Earnings by Experience

The salary of an interior architect falls in a wide range depending on how the role is defined. Interior architects who hold professional architecture licenses and work on structural interior renovations tend to earn more than interior designers without licensure. According to Glassdoor data for 2025, the average interior architect salary in the United States is approximately $89,000 per year, with a typical range between $67,000 and $120,000.

PayScale reports a more conservative figure, placing the average salary for interior architect positions at around $61,000, while ZipRecruiter’s data for January 2026 estimates a much higher average of $128,756. These discrepancies arise from different data collection methods and the varied definitions of the “interior architect” title across firms.

Entry-level interior architects with fewer than 4 years of experience can expect total compensation around $50,000 to $57,000, while experienced professionals with project leadership responsibilities earn $80,000 to $120,000 or more. The salary for interior architect roles tends to be highest in major metropolitan areas where commercial renovation and hospitality projects are abundant. For more on alternative career paths within architecture, see our article on job alternatives for architects and interior designers.

Architect Salary by Specialization

Beyond the general categories, the average salary for architects varies based on the type of projects they handle. Here is a snapshot of how different specializations compare:

Architects who combine multiple specializations, for example pairing sustainable design expertise with healthcare knowledge, often command premium salaries. The salary for architect engineer roles that involve both design and technical engineering oversight also tends to sit at the higher end of these ranges.

How to Increase Your Architect Salary at Any Career Stage

Regardless of where you currently stand in your career, there are concrete steps you can take to improve your earning potential. Here are strategies that work at every level:

Get licensed as soon as possible. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) manages the licensure process, and completing it early gives you a measurable salary bump. Unlicensed designers often earn 10 to 20 percent less than their licensed peers doing similar work.

Pursue certifications that align with market demand. LEED AP, WELL AP, Passive House, and Fitwel credentials signal specialized knowledge that firms value. These certifications can add $5,000 to $15,000 to your annual compensation depending on your market.

Develop skills beyond design. Architects who understand construction administration, project financial management, and client development are more valuable to firms and can justify higher salaries. If you are exploring how to start your career in architecture, building these skills early gives you a significant advantage.

Consider geographic strategy. Moving from a lower-cost market to a high-demand city can result in a 20 to 40 percent salary increase, though you should factor in cost-of-living differences. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for Architects provides state-by-state wage data to help you compare markets.

Evaluate whether architecture is the right long-term career for your goals. Understanding the full picture of earning potential, work-life balance, and career satisfaction helps you make strategic decisions about specialization and advancement. You can also weigh the pros and cons of being an architect to align your expectations with reality.

Conclusion

Architecture career salaries reflect a profession that rewards experience, specialization, and strategic career planning. Entry-level architects can expect to earn between $55,000 and $70,000, while mid-career professionals with project management responsibilities typically earn $75,000 to $115,000. Senior architects and principals regularly exceed $120,000 to $200,000 or more, particularly in high-demand markets.

For those interested in related specializations, the landscape architect salary averages around $79,660 at the median (per BLS May 2024 data), while the interior architect salary ranges widely from $60,000 to $120,000 depending on licensure status, location, and project type.

The best approach to maximizing your architects salary is to combine licensure, relevant certifications, and strategic specialization with strong negotiation skills. Use resources like the AIA Compensation Report, BLS data, and salary platforms to benchmark your compensation against market rates. With the right planning, a career in architecture can be both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Salary figures cited in this article are approximate and vary by region, firm size, and individual qualifications. Data sources include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), Salary.com (February 2026), AIA Compensation and Benefits Report 2025, PayScale, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter. Always consult multiple sources and consider your local market conditions when evaluating compensation.