Architect Salary in USA: Complete Overview

Architecture is a rewarding profession that blends creativity with technical expertise, and it comes with a wide range of salary potentials depending on various factors. In the United States, the average salary for architects ranges between USD 85,000 and USD 100,000 per year, but this figure can vary significantly based on experience, location, education, and industry. Entry-level architects typically earn around USD 55,000 to USD 70,000, while those with more experience can see salaries soar to over USD 150,000. With opportunities to specialise in different fields, architects have the potential to grow their earnings as they advance in their careers.

How Much Does an Architect Make in USA?

On average, an architect in the USA earns around USD 85,000 to USD 100,000 per year. However, this number can vary greatly depending on several factors such as experience, location, and specialisation. Entry-level architects typically earn less, while those with significant experience or working in high-demand industries can command much higher salaries. Here’s a breakdown of the average salaries:

Particular	Average Salary(Annually)
Entry-level (0-3 years)	USD 55,000 – USD 70,000
Mid-level (4-7 years)	USD 75,000 – USD 95,000
Senior-level (8+ years)	USD 100,000 – USD 150,000+

Comparison of Architect Salary in USA by Experience

Experience plays a significant role in determining an architect’s salary. Here’s how architect salaries typically scale based on the number of years in the profession:

Experience Level	Average Salary(Annually)
Entry-level (0-3 years)	USD 55,000 – USD 70,000
Mid-level (4-7 years)	USD 75,000 – USD 95,000
Senior-level (8+ years)	USD 100,000 – USD 150,000+

Highest Paying Architect Jobs in USA 2024

In 2024, several specialised architecture roles offer higher-than-average pay. Some of the highest-paying architect jobs include:

Job Profile	Average Salary(Annually)
Principal Architect	USD 130,000 – USD 200,000
Landscape Architect	USD 85,000 – USD 110,000
Urban Planner	USD 90,000 – USD 120,000
Architectural Project Manager	USD 90,000 – USD 130,000
Sustainable Design Architect	USD 85,000 – USD 120,000

Architect Salary in USA by Companies 

Architect salaries can vary significantly based on the company or firm an architect works for. Larger, well-known companies tend to offer more competitive salaries, often due to their ability to handle bigger, more lucrative projects. Here are some of the highest-paying firms for architects in the USA include:

Company Name	Average Salary(Annually)
Gensler	USD 80,000 – USD 150,000
Perkins + Will	USD 75,000 – USD 140,000
HDR, Inc.	USD 85,000 – USD 130,000
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)	USD 90,000 – USD 160,000
HOK Group	USD 80,000 – USD 140,000

Highest Paying Cities for Architect Jobs in USA

Where an architect works in the USA can heavily impact their salary. Architects working in larger cities or tech hubs tend to earn more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. Below are some of the highest-paying cities for architects in the USA:

City	Average Salary(Annually)
New York, NY	USD 100,000 – USD 150,000
San Francisco, CA	USD 110,000 – USD 160,000
Seattle, WA	USD 90,000 – USD 140,000
Los Angeles, CA	USD 90,000 – USD 135,000
Boston, MA	USD 85,000 – USD 130,000
Washington, D.C.	USD 95,000 – USD 140,000

Comparison of Architect Salary in USA by Education 

Education also impacts an architect’s earning potential. While a bachelor’s degree is often enough for entry-level positions, advanced degrees can significantly boost your salary. Here is a table of comparison of Architect salaries in USA by education.

Education Level	Average Salary(Annually)
Bachelor’s Degree (B.Arch)	USD 55,000 – USD 85,000
Master’s Degree (M.Arch)	USD 75,000 – USD 120,000
PhD in Architecture	USD 100,000 – USD 140,000+

Architect Salary in USA by Industry 

Different industries within architecture offer varying salary ranges. Here’s a look at some of the industries and their respective average salaries for architects.

Industries	Average Salary(Annually)
Commercial Construction	USD 90,000 – USD 130,000
Residential Design	USD 70,000 – USD 100,000
Government Projects	USD 80,000 – USD 110,000
Education/Healthcare Sector	USD 85,000 – USD 120,000
Sustainability & Green Architecture	USD 90,000 – USD 130,000
Technology & Software Development (Design roles)	USD 100,000 – USD 150,000

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