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Architect: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$99,280median pay per year, or $47.73 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $62,300lowest 10% earn less
  2. $77,96025th percentile
  3. $99,280median
  4. $126,55075th percentile
  5. $161,420top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[5]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

An architect in the US earned a median of $99,280 a year in May 2025, close to twice the median for all jobs[1][2]. Getting there takes a long road: an architecture degree, a paid internship and a licensing exam before you can work as a licensed architect[3][4].

Job growth, 2025–35
+4.3%[6]
Openings per year
6,900[7]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[8]

How much do architects make?

The median wage for architects was $99,280 a year, or $47.73 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half earned more than that and half earned less[1]. The average was a bit higher, at $106,260 a year or $51.09 an hour[9].

For comparison, the median across all US occupations was $50,980[2]. So the typical architect earns nearly double the typical US worker[1][2].

Pay varies a lot from one architect to another[5]:

Percentile Per year Per hour
10th $62,300 $29.95
25th $77,960 $37.48
50th (median) $99,280 $47.73
75th $126,550 $60.84
90th $161,420 $77.61

Sources for the table:[1][5][10]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $62,300, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $161,420[5]. A percentile is a cutoff point, not a starting salary, and BLS does not publish starting pay[11].

These figures count only workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out self-employed people and do not count employer-paid benefits like health coverage or retirement plans[12]. That matters here, because 14% of architects were self-employed in 2025[13].

Pay by state and city

Wyoming had the highest state median at $120,580, though it has only about 130 architect jobs[14]. Next came Massachusetts ($117,330), Maryland ($114,550), Alaska ($108,730) and California ($108,540)[14]. At the other end of the list, New Mexico had a median of $77,720[14].

The most jobs are in California (13,270), New York (10,360), Texas (7,820), Florida (5,580) and Illinois (5,130)[15]. Big job markets do not always pay the most. Illinois had a median of $81,780, well below the national figure[14][1].

Among metro areas with at least 100 architect jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA paid the highest median, $129,640[16]. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($126,550) and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA ($125,980) followed[16]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had by far the most jobs, about 10,240, with a median of $99,710[17]. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (4,870 jobs) and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (4,460 jobs) came next[17].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Wyoming[14]$120,580130
Massachusetts$117,3304,590
Maryland$114,5501,800
Alaska$108,730210
California$108,54013,270
Rhode Island$105,160550
Connecticut$103,5401,200
South Dakota$102,500180
Colorado$102,4003,290
Hawaii$102,340600
District of Columbia$102,0401,700
Arizona$102,0001,550
Nevada$101,570530
South Carolina$101,5501,030
New Hampshire$101,100250
Georgia$100,4202,440
Oklahoma$100,350910
Washington$100,1903,720
Minnesota$99,9402,340
New Jersey$99,8002,390
New York$99,28010,360
Oregon$98,8002,050
Wisconsin$98,5101,230
Missouri$98,4902,150
Kentucky$97,680630
Virginia$97,6802,130
Montana$97,290550
North Dakota$97,110290
Delaware$97,030120
Pennsylvania$97,0303,760
Iowa$96,810650
West Virginia$96,47080
Florida$96,2405,580
Indiana$96,0601,430
Alabama$95,990990
North Carolina$95,7002,980
Utah$95,5901,520
Ohio$94,9603,480
Texas$94,4907,820
Tennessee$94,0302,570
Idaho$93,710850
Nebraska$91,530620
Michigan$88,4302,630
Kansas$85,490840
Vermont$82,400320
Illinois$81,7805,130
Mississippi$80,870330
Louisiana$79,5801,200
Maine$78,600500
Arkansas$78,190720
New Mexico$77,720600

How to become an architect

BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the usual education for entry, with no prior work experience in a related job and an internship or residency as the main training[8]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook describes three main steps to a license[3]:

1) Earn a degree in architecture[3]. The most common route is a five-year Bachelor of Architecture program[18]. In about two-thirds of states, that degree has to come from an accredited program[18]. Courses cover architectural history and theory, computer-aided design and drafting, structures, building methods, professional practice, math and science[19]. 2) Complete a paid internship[20]. Every state registration board requires graduates to finish a paid internship, generally about 3 years long, before taking the exam[20]. Most new graduates do this at architecture firms, and some states let part of it happen with engineers or general contractors[20]. Interns help with drawings, models, building code research and material specifications, while licensed architects review and sign the final plans[21]. 3) Pass the Architect Registration Examination[3].

Every state, plus the District of Columbia, licenses architects, and you need that license to practice[4]. Most states also ask for continuing education to keep it, through things like workshops, classes or conferences[22].

Many architects also earn a master's degree, which can add 1 to 5 years depending on earlier training[18]. O*NET places the job in Job Zone Five, its group for work that needs extensive preparation[23].

What architects do

Architects plan and design buildings such as homes, offices, theaters and factories[24]. Their main tasks, according to O*NET, include[25]:

Job titles workers report include architect, architectural designer, project architect and specifications writer[26].

Where they work

Architects do much of their work in an office, meeting clients, preparing drawings and reports, and working with engineers and other architects[27]. They also go out to building sites to check progress and make sure the client's goals are being met[27]. Some work from a home office[27].

In 2025, 74% worked in architectural, engineering and related services firms[28]. Separately, 14% of architects were self-employed that year[13].

Most architects work full time, and many put in extra hours when deadlines are close[29]. Self-employed architects may have more flexible schedules[29].

Job outlook

BLS expects architect employment to rise 4.3% over the 2025 to 2035 decade, adding about 5,300 jobs to reach about 129,900[6]. That is a little faster than the 3.5% growth projected for all occupations[30].

There should be about 6,900 openings a year on average[7]. These include jobs that open up when people retire or switch careers, not only new positions[7]. Each year, about 2.1% of architects are expected to leave the labor force and 2.9% to move into a different occupation[31].

The projection counts, about 124,600 jobs in 2025, include self-employed workers[6]. The 106,770 jobs in the wage survey do not[32]. After many years, some architects move up to become architectural and engineering managers, who coordinate staff and may run larger projects[33]. That group had a median wage of $171,270[34].

Is it a good fit?

Architecture pays well above the typical US job, with a median of $99,280 a year[1][2]. The trade-off is time: a five-year degree is common, followed by a paid internship of about 3 years and a licensing exam[18][20][3]. Job growth of 4.3% is slightly above the all-jobs rate[6][30]. It may suit someone who likes design and working with clients, and who is ready for long training and some deadline crunch[35][36][29].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[34].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an architect make an hour?
The median hourly wage was $47.73 in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $29.95 an hour and the highest-paid 10% more than $77.61[10].
How long does it take to become an architect?
The common route is a five-year Bachelor of Architecture[18], then a paid internship that generally lasts about 3 years before the licensing exam[20]. Some internship time done during school can count toward those 3 years[20].
What degree do you need to be an architect?
BLS lists a bachelor's degree for entry[8], usually in architecture[18]. In about two-thirds of states, the degree must come from an accredited architecture program[18].
Is architect in demand?
BLS expects 4.3% job growth over 2025 to 2035, a bit faster than the 3.5% for all occupations[6][30]. About 6,900 openings are expected each year[7].
What is the highest paying state for architects?
Wyoming had the highest state median at $120,580, but with only about 130 jobs[14]. Massachusetts ($117,330) and Maryland ($114,550) came next[14].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in the US was $99,280 per year and $47.73 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  4. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval: 10th percentile $62,300, 25th percentile $77,960, 75th percentile $126,550, 90th percentile $161,420. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Architects, Except Landscape and Naval is projected to grow 4.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 124,600 to 129,900 jobs (a change of +5,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS Employment Projections: about 6,900 openings for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Architects, Except Landscape and Naval: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Internship/residency. BLS Employment Projections
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval was $106,260 per year and $51.09 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval: 10th percentile $29.95, 25th percentile $37.48, 75th percentile $60.84, 90th percentile $77.61. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS Employment Projections: 14% of Architects, Except Landscape and Naval were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  14. Median annual wage for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Architects, Except Landscape and Naval jobs: California 13,270; New York 10,360; Texas 7,820; Florida 5,580; Illinois 5,130. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $129,640; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $126,550; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $125,980; Barnstable Town, MA $120,460; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $120,040; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $119,120; Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $115,960; Bakersfield-Delano, CA $111,070. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Architects, Except Landscape and Naval jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 10,240 (median $99,710); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 4,870 (median $104,170); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 4,460 (median $81,790); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 3,930 (median $119,120); San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 3,780 (median $126,550); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 3,020 (median $102,080). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET 17-1011.00: Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET description of Architects, Except Landscape and Naval. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET task list for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET 17-1011.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Architect, Architectural Designer, Design Architect, Planner, Project Architect, Specifications Writer. O*NET OnLine
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of architects in 2025: Architectural, engineering, and related services 74%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  31. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval: 2.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 2.9% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  32. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 106,770 people were employed as Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.