Architects design and plan buildings, houses, and all kinds of structures. For an architect to practice his craft, he must have a degree in architecture, complete an internship, and get a license.
An architect can establish his own business and work with clients directly, or work for a firm and get assigned to a project.
When a client decides to have a building or house made, the first professional he must consult with is an architect. Communicating the needs and wants of the client is the first order of business, and when the architect has gathered enough information, he then proceeds to present his ideas – leading to an exchange of concepts to reach the end goal of designing the structure or space.
Architect Salary
How Much Do Architects Make? The average architect salary is $74,520, which is equivalent to an hourly rate of $35.83. This median wage consists of the average salary that most architects make – the lower 10% earns $44,940 or less, while the upper 10% earns more than $121,910.
An architect starting salary differs on many factors. A fresh graduate without a license to practice will not have the same job opportunities over someone who has a license – which means that the former will more likely earn less. An architect who has a license and works in a large firm will most likely earn more than those who haven’t passed the exam for Architect Registration.
An architect’s working schedule will also affect his average annual salary. If they are self-employed, they will enjoy a more flexible schedule but may experience times when projects are non-existent. An architect who works in a firm usually works full-time, during regular working hours, but may earn less compared to working for himself.
Architect fees also vary depending on the work environment. Self-employed architects, are either paid through their hourly rates or through a fixed fee. Those who work in a firm are paid through regular employee salary.
Top 5 Paying States
| Flag | State | Employment per 1000 Jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | California | 0.68 | $44.34 | $92,220 |
 | New Jersey | 0.47 | $43.44 | $90,350 |
 | Delaware | 0.38 | $43.12 | $89,690 |
 | Massachusetts | 1.04 | $42.25 | $87,880 |
 | Alaska | 0.51 | $41.87 | $87,090 |
Top Paying Industries
| Industry | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 0.01 | $57.17 | $118,920 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 0.01 | $55.00 | $114,410 |
| Postal Service | 0.01 | $47.54 | $98,870 |
| Commercial Equipment Wholesalers | 0.01 | $46.20 | $96,090 |
| Specialized Design Services | 0.67 | $45.95 | $95,580 |
An Architect’s Job Description
An architect’s job consists of designing structures and planning their construction. He meets with a client who communicates his/her needs and the architect creates a design of a house, building, or a remodeling plan and then presents it to the client. If the client likes it, the architect then begins coordinating with engineers and construction companies on the building of the structure. He meets with those who will implement his designs, and through the course of the construction, he occasionally visits the site to evaluate whether or not the built structure adheres to his plans and the local government’s ordinances on the construction of buildings.
Before computers came along, architects created their designs through pencil and paper. But today, computer software makes the architect’s job faster and easier. Software such as AutoCAD or Computer-Aided Design & Drafting allows architects to digitally create the structures and once they’re finished, the viewer can take a virtual tour of the proposed house or building.
An architect’s duties include estimating the amount of the required materials and equipment, estimating construction time, preparing structure specifications, preparing documents for building contractors, directing workers to prepare sketches and documents, and visiting work sites.
Architects must also make sure that the design and construction follow local and state building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and ordinances of the local government.
They also coordinate with civil engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, as well as with urban and regional planners.
In 2012, there was a total of 107,400 architects practicing their craft in the United States.
Architect Job Outlook
There is a projected 17% increase in architect employment from the years 2012 to 2022. This projected increase will be due to the greater demand of modernization, old houses and buildings needing to be renovated, and the construction of more healthcare facilities to accommodate the growing aging population of the baby boomers.
Stiff competition is seen among fresh graduates and those who pass the Architect Registration Exam and have credible internships are seen to have better employment advantages.
The fastest growing specialty in the field of architecture is in green or sustainable design. As prices of commodities are increasing more and more, families and businesses have started to see the advantages of homes and buildings that have efficient sources of renewable energy. Those who develop an expertise in this area of design are seen to have better job prospects in the next few years.
Architect Salary by State
| Flag | State | Employment per 1000 Jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alabama | 0.522 | $37.48 | $77,970 |
| Alaska | 0.508 | $41.87 | $87,090 |
 | Arizona | 0.687 | $31.72 | $65,980 |
 | Arkansas | 0.475 | $33.27 | $69,200 |
| California | 0.678 | $44.34 | $92,220 |
 | Colorado | 1.143 | $35.42 | $73,680 |
 | Connecticut | 0.715 | $39.23 | $81,600 |
| Delaware | 0.384 | $43.12 | $89,690 |
 | Florida | 0.484 | $36.61 | $76,150 |
 | Georgia | 0.469 | – | – |
 | Hawaii | 0.763 | $35.62 | $74,090 |
 | Idaho | 0.366 | $32.26 | $67,100 |
 | Illinois | 0.773 | $36.46 | $75,840 |
 | Indiana | 0.375 | $34.78 | $72,340 |
 | Iowa | 0.399 | $33.23 | $69,120 |
 | Kansas | 0.574 | $31.46 | $65,440 |
 | Kentucky | 0.303 | $34.06 | $70,840 |
 | Louisiana | 0.471 | $35.58 | $74,010 |
 | Maine | 0.52 | $32.87 | $68,370 |
 | Maryland | 0.828 | $39.46 | $82,070 |
| Massachusetts | 1.042 | $42.25 | $87,880 |
 | Michigan | 0.422 | $35.98 | $74,840 |
 | Minnesota | 0.594 | $39.95 | $83,090 |
 | Mississippi | 0.238 | $32.58 | $67,760 |
 | Missouri | 0.75 | $36.16 | $75,200 |
 | Montana | 1.139 | $33.12 | $68,890 |
 | Nebraska | 0.559 | $36.98 | $76,920 |
 | Nevada | 0.303 | $40.75 | $84,770 |
 | New Hampshire | 0.424 | $39.68 | $82,530 |
| New Jersey | 0.47 | $43.44 | $90,350 |
 | New Mexico | 0.642 | $32.64 | $67,880 |
 | New York | 1.256 | $40.27 | $83,760 |
 | North Carolina | 0.487 | $38.37 | $79,810 |
 | North Dakota | 0.415 | $31.50 | $65,520 |
 | Ohio | 0.493 | $37.69 | $78,390 |
 | Oklahoma | 0.437 | $37.11 | $77,190 |
 | Oregon | 0.93 | $33.26 | $69,190 |
 | Pennsylvania | 0.521 | $39.72 | $82,610 |
 | Rhode Island | – | $38.84 | $80,780 |
 | South Carolina | 0.502 | $34.55 | $71,850 |
 | South Dakota | 0.262 | $36.46 | $75,830 |
 | Tennessee | 0.318 | $33.16 | $68,980 |
 | Texas | 0.71 | $38.44 | $79,960 |
 | Utah | 0.529 | $35.77 | $74,390 |
 | Vermont | 0.659 | $33.03 | $68,700 |
 | Virginia | 0.726 | $40.10 | $83,410 |
 | Washington | 1.007 | $36.11 | $75,100 |
 | West Virginia | 0.156 | $35.31 | $73,450 |
 | Wisconsin | 0.435 | $34.78 | $72,340 |
 | Wyoming | 0.471 | $36.07 | $75,030 |
Top paying metropolitan areas
| Area | Employment per 1000 jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco / San Mateo / Redwood City, – CA – Metropolitan Division | 1.42 | $48.50 | $100,870 |
| Lancaster, PA | 0.87 | $47.87 | $99,570 |
| Newark / Union, – NJ/PA – Metropolitan Division | 0.44 | $47.25 | $98,280 |
| Atlanta / Sandy Springs / Marietta, – GA | 0.66 | $46.48 | $96,670 |
| Sacramento / Arden / Arcade / Roseville, – CA | 1.06 | $46.31 | $96,330 |
Top paying nonmetropolitan areas
| Area | Employment per 1000 jobs | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Illinois – nonmetropolitan area | 0.33 | $37.48 | $77,950 |
| Southwestern Montana – nonmetropolitan area | 1.55 | $37.27 | $77,530 |
| Kansas – nonmetropolitan area | 0.09 | $36.56 | $76,040 |
| Western – North Carolina – nonmetropolitan area | 0.22 | $36.50 | $75,930 |
| Southwestern Wyoming – nonmetropolitan area | 1.24 | $35.59 | $74,020 |
