7/15/2023
Hand in hand with construction, architecture is one of the professions that has shaped civilization. From impressive skyscrapers, museums with imposing structures, to designs for buildings as necessary as hospitals.
Architecture is a key part of every country, and here we tell you an approximate of what a professional architect earns in the United States.
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How much does an architect earn in the United States?
When we review the figures, we see that architecture is one of the best paid careers in the country, along with others such as engineers or doctors.
That said, the statistics reveal that these professionals generated an average of $90,000 annually. Similarly, the top end (25%) earned at least $100,000 and the lowest earners (25%) earned about $60,000.
Indeed, a specialized job posting site, indicates that the annual base salary for an architect in the United States is $92,500. In contrast to the above, top earners can earn more than $200,000 per year.
In contrast, lower earners can command about $52,000,000, less than the national average.
U.S. cities that pay their architects the most.
Since cities are the ones that are constantly expanding and remodeling, they offer the best stipends for architects in the United States. The effects of climate change and new trends with more sustainable and efficient designs have given a renewed impetus to this profession.
In this sense, and according to the USNews portal, the cities that pay the best would be:
- Birmingham - $120,430
- Daphne - $115,450
- San Francisco - $113,780
- San Jose - $108,640
- Bridgeport - $106,45
Best states to be an architect
As with other professions we've reviewed on Busconomico, where you live will determine your salary as an architect. In general, the East Coast has the largest firms and therefore handles the most large-scale projects.
The states with the highest average salary for architects are:
- DC - $114,540
- Mississippi - $104,240
- New York - $103,340
- Massachusetts - $102,680
- California - $100,790
U.S. Architecture Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this profession will grow by 3% by 2030, and more than 9,000 architectural job openings are expected each year during the current decade.
According to IBIS World, there are currently about 250,000 architects working in the industry in the United States at this time. In terms of growth, this profession has added an average of 2% more human capital each year from 2018 through 2022. This also implies that companies in the industry employ more than they did 5 years ago.
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On average, an architecture firm has just over 3 professionals in its ranks. Within the scientific and technical industry, this field ranks 14th and 168th in terms of the number of employees.
Countries with the highest salaries for architects
The best conditions for an architect are developed economies where the role of infrastructure plays a crucial role. Although the United States is among the nations that offer the highest salaries for many careers, there are other markets that are very attractive. In this category, we can highlight:
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Along with Dubai, several cities in Qatar have garnered industry attention following the hosting of the World Cup in November 2022. These countries are experiencing steady growth, English is widely spoken and they have strong economies.
The monthly salary for entry level is $4,300 and typically averages $98,000 annually.
China
To work in this nation as an architect, you must apply for a Z visa, have 2 years of experience after graduation and have a clean criminal record. In addition, you must apply for a work permit with China's Human Resources and Social Security Bureau.
If you have just graduated, you can earn up to $94,000 per year and we recommend that you look for opportunities in Hong Kong and Shanghai first.
Switzerland
Although the United States is in third place, we already know what to expect. It is well known that the Swiss have a fairly high quality of life.
So it's no surprise that the average salary for a starting architect is at $78,000 a year. Innovative projects and constructions in different styles abound in this nation.
Español: ¿Cuánto gana un arquitecto en Estados Unidos?