Architect Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $119,083 | |
| California | $112,506 | |
| New York | $107,725 | |
| Alaska | $106,839 | |
| Massachusetts | $106,385 | |
| Washington | $105,096 | |
| Connecticut | $103,546 | |
| Hawaii | $101,803 | |
| National Median | $93,310 |
How to Become a Architect
Architects plan and design houses, office buildings, and other structures, balancing aesthetics, function, and safety.
Meet the education requirement
Most architects enter the field with bachelor's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the State architecture license (ARE)
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $61,585 and rises toward $136,233 with experience.
Architect salary: common questions
How much does a Architect make an hour?
The median hourly wage for architects is $44.86, which works out to about $93,310 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays architects the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for architects at $119,083 per year — 28% above the national median of $93,310.
What is the salary range for architects?
Most architects earn between $61,585 and $136,233 per year. The middle 50% earn $75,581 to $115,704, with a median of $93,310.
Is becoming a Architect a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 5% (faster than average), and the role typically requires bachelor's degree. With a median wage of $93,310 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.