Salary
There are many factors that influence an architect’s annual salary, such as the geographic location, type of firm, size of firm, level of education, and years of experience. However, according to recent studies in 2009, an architect’s income, compared to other professions, has remained steady during the economic slump. According to the BLS report from 2008, architects employed in the United States earn between $40,000 and $120,000 annually, with a mean wage of $76,750 per year, and a mean hourly wage of $36.90.
Even starting salaries for new graduates has seen a slight increase over the recent years. The mean salary for a new graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, rose from $39,333 in 2008 to $41,012 in 2009. And the mean salary for a new graduate with a Master of Architecture degree rose from $42,985 in 2008 to $47,263 in 2009. Architects who have been in the game for 20 or more years earn an average income of $100,723 and of them, 20% earn more than $142,000 annually.
Architects who are not new graduates, but who haven’t been practicing 20+ years see a median wage of $33.81 hourly, or $70,320 annually, with the bottom 10% of architects earning an average of $41, 320 per year and the top 10% earning an average of $119,220 per year. Again, depending on where you work, and for whom, heavily weighs on your income year after year. One year you could be making a salary that is in the top 10%, and the next year you could be earning the median average.
The good thing is that architects are not out of work. In fact, as the need for new ‘green’ buildings, structures and residences are needed, the demand for good architects increases, which turns into higher salaries.
When looking for a firm for employment purposes, try to find out if the firm pays for tuition and fees toward continuing education requirements for their employees. Many firms do this for their employees, which is a major relief especially for new graduates.
Internship Salaries
Unlike with most professions that require an internship, architect interns are paid for their hours. Starting salaries for interns varies widely and usually depends on the geographical location, the amount of building activity, availability for applicants, and the capability of the individual applicant. According to the AIA Compensation Survey 12 from 2008, intern salaries averaged $45,400 per year. This figure has risen 6% since the last survey in 2005, and is expected to rise again year after year.
Annual Salaries by State
Below is a list of the average median salary, according to the BLS, for each State as of 2008.
| Alabama | 72,170 |
| Alaska | 65,280 |
| Arizona | 71,250 |
| Arkansas | 92,720 |
| California | $88,350 |
| Colorado | $75,200 |
| Connecticut | $89,540 |
| Delaware | $82,210 |
| D.C. | $80,250 |
| Florida | $72,610 |
| Georgia | $80,770 |
| Hawaii | $69,750 |
| Idaho | $63,220 |
| Illinois | $73,610 |
| Indiana | $69,600 |
| Iowa | $66,640 |
| Kansas | $69,760 |
| Kentucky | $59,820 |
| Louisiana | $64,490 |
| Maine | $62,290 |
| Maryland | $79,800 |
| Massachusetts | $83,440 |
| Michigan | $69,660 |
| Minnesota | $70,740 |
| Mississippi | $63,120 |
| Missouri | $65,880 |
| Montana | $56,250 |
| Nebraska | $78,480 |
| Nevada | $72,440 |
| New Hampshire | $68,610 |
| New Jersey | $81,590 |
| New Mexico | $63,140 |
| New York | $83,250 |
| North Carolina | $72,580 |
| North Dakota | $56,470 |
| Ohio | $73,480 |
| Oklahoma | $68,100 |
| Oregon | $66,550 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,190 |
| Rhode Island | $81,640 |
| South Carolina | $80,020 |
| South Dakota | $85,480 |
| Tennessee | $71,890 |
| Texas | $73,240 |
| Utah | $78,510 |
| Vermont | $90,930 |
| Virginia | $74,220 |
| Washington | $76,180 |
| West Virginia | $74,500 |
| Wisconsin | $69,630 |
| Wyoming | $67,110 |
