Introduction
Architects are responsible for designing buildings, homes and other structures that meet certain standards, comply with building codes and provide comfortable living spaces. Architects must have a thorough understanding of construction techniques, materials, safety regulations and aesthetics. As such, they are highly sought after professionals who often command premium salaries.
A Look at Architect Salaries: How Much Can You Earn in a Year?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for architects was $80,750 in May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,620 while the highest 10% earned more than $130,810. The median annual wages of architects varied by geographic location and industry.
In May 2019, the highest-paying metropolitan areas for architects were:
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA – $118,370
- Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY – $103,060
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA – $99,450
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA – $98,900
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA – $95,740
The industries that employed the most architects in May 2019 were:
- Architectural, engineering, and related services – 57,550
- Building equipment contractors – 4,560
- Nonresidential building construction – 2,160
- Residential building construction – 1,550
- Specialized design services – 1,470
Factors such as experience, geographic location, industry, size of firm and type of projects undertaken all contribute to the level of salary an architect can command.
Exploring the Architect Salary Range: What to Expect From Your Career
Architects typically begin their careers with entry-level salaries ranging from $48,000 to $60,000 per year. These salaries tend to increase with experience, allowing mid-career architects to earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually. Senior-level architects typically make between $100,000 and $125,000 each year.
Examining Architect Pay by Role: What Do Architects Make Annually?
Salaries for architects can also vary depending on the role they hold. For example, project managers typically make between $65,000 and $85,000 per year, while design directors generally earn between $90,000 and $115,000 each year. Principal architects, who generally lead larger projects, can make upwards of $150,000 per year.
Architect Salaries Around the World: Find Out How Much an Architect Makes
Architect salaries vary around the world, with the highest salaries typically found in the United States, Canada and Australia. In Europe, the UK, France, Germany and Switzerland all offer competitive salaries. In Asia, Japan and South Korea offer some of the highest salaries for architects.
In general, salaries in North America and Western Europe are higher than those in Eastern Europe and Asia. However, there is considerable variation within each region, with countries like Russia and India offering lower salaries than others.
The Impact of Experience on Architect Salaries: See How Much You Can Make
Experience plays a key role in determining how much an architect will make. Generally speaking, the more experience you have, the higher your salary will be. Continuing education and professional certifications can also help architects command higher salaries.
Uncovering Architect Salaries: What Is the Average Annual Pay?
The national average salary for architects is $80,750 per year. However, this figure can vary widely depending on several factors, including geographic location, industry, size of firm and type of projects undertaken. In addition, experience and continuing education can play a major role in determining an architect’s salary.
For instance, entry-level architects can make anywhere from $48,000 to $60,000 per year. Mid-career architects typically make between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, while senior-level architects usually make between $100,000 and $125,000 per year. Project managers, design directors and principal architects may make more than these figures.
On a global scale, the highest salaries for architects are typically found in the United States, Canada and Australia. However, salaries vary widely, even within these countries. For example, the median annual wage for architects in San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, was $118,370 in May 2019.
Conclusion
Architects are highly sought after professionals who can command premium salaries. The amount an architect makes per year can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as experience, geographic location and industry. The highest salaries for architects are typically found in the United States, Canada and Australia, although salaries can vary widely even within these countries. Ultimately, the amount an architect makes each year depends on their experience, education and the type of projects they undertake.
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