Most architects spend years in school, go through an internship and earn far less. And yet what we do as architects is just as needed.
Architect Salary Statistics
Until they are licensed, architects may only work under another architect’s supervision. Architects made a median salary of $80,750 in 2019. The lowest-paid 25 percent made $62,600.
Top Paying Locations
Where do architects make the most money in the US? The top states for salaries are New York and Massachusetts. New York pays the most but also has a higher cost of living.
Becoming a Wealthy Architect
Can you be a millionaire by being an architect?
Making a great income is possible for an architect. The average salary of a sole proprietor in the US is $70,000.
Potential for High Earnings
The path to becoming an architect is long and expensive. Still, architecture is a financially rewarding career.
Highest-Paying Countries
The top countries for architecture salaries are: In Europe, only 9% of architects achieve high salary levels.
U.S. Salary Overview
What is the average salary of an architect? The lowest-paid 25 percent made $62,600.
Getting Rich as an Architect
Can architects get rich? But high incomes are possible.
Factors Influencing Earnings
Factors affecting architect pay range include:
- Experience – more years in field means higher pay
- Gender – men outearn women
Also, commercial architects tend to earn more than other architecture jobs. To enhance pay, architects can consider:
- Business ownership
- High-profile projects
- Financial management
Gaining strong technical skills is key.