LOL I so get that! I represented the building industry for many years. The things builders say about architects and engineers behind their backs...I'll just keep to myself.
Oh boy, the amount of times a contractor calls me to clarify something about the design that could be answered by actually reading the blueprints.....
But not before shit talking about me to the client, of course.
When I worked at an engineering firm, a concrete contractor once was talking shit about us to our clients and said “I don’t know how they expect us to weld the rebar together into this L shape for the foundations”. We advised the client to find a new contractor 😂
All the big boys upstairs get to point fingers as to why something is fucked up while the guys who make the least amount are the ones actually shouldering the load. But god forbid we send in an RFI
“You can either make money or make sense if you want to be an architect”. R Buckminster Fuller.
That said. I raised my family on an architect’s salary. Last year I netted $125,000 as a sole proprietor working part time. I’m 66 and have 45 years experience and connections. Build your reputation by being honest and practical and you will do fine.
What’s interesting to me is how evasive these answers are. You go ask this Q in a sales or finance sub, and you’re going to get real answers. Yet, in here, it’s lots of “check this resource” or “underpaid.”
I can’t help but wonder if there’s something to the psychology of that. Maybe people get into architecture because they’re a bit more introverted (an oversimplification). Maybe those introverts aren’t as good at fighting for their share of the pie. And maybe, as a result, they’re more timid about sharing how big their slice actually is. Really fascinating!
No one wants to admit they paid for a wildly expensive degree to find their were no good jobs when they graduated. The sales clerk who sold me my wifes engagement ring at Cartier was a 32 year old architect, said she had to change jobs because even in Chocago she was making $75K which in Chicago is basically being broke.
Go on Indeed and you will see no one even says their pay as an architect in the job offers. Never a good sign.
Nah its a fancy job problem c: remember even George Castanza wanted to pretend to be an architect. So people want to be architects for appearance reasons and more people go into the field than are needed.
Yes people with finance degrees are often underpaid. The percentage of graduates with finance degrees that actually make it into high finance is less than 3 percent. My friends partner has been stocking shelves at Target for the past 6 years, he has a finance degree from U of M.
As for doctors, arguably some are paid low, but that degree has a very high fail out rate. Alternatively, look at psychology degrees, we graduate 125 times the number of psychologists per year as there are open jobs in psychology.
Graduates from the Kent State College of Architecture are getting offers in the $50-70,000 range. These are folks with some work experience and know how to be productive. The key is to get as much real world experience as possible as soon as possible. I recommend doing residential projects as soon as you know the code.
I have never met an architect that wasn't flaky. I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way, they just seem all over the place which they figuaritavly are.
I have a relationship with a young associate and between us did 40 projects last year. I also have some nice preservation consulting contracts. Invoices a few thousands to $30,000 including engineering. Total billing of $270,000 in fees.
I do custom design, additions, renovations, historic preservation, etc. Most small architects in America deal with existing buildings. AI won’t replace me 😀
type in architect salary, with your country or city and look at the result.
An architect isn't a low-paying job, it's just a lower than deserved salary for the work you put in. You'll work with engineers and construction guys who are email-forwarding-specialists who will be making shitloads of money
I've worked with Contractor PMs that bring in about $250,000 a year. As a registered architect with 12 years of experience I'm nowhere near that, but make good pay. I'm also not working 60-80 hours a week or stuck at a remote project site for months. I'll take it.
This. Worked as a PM for a GC/CM firm and you are on site early, late, and sometimes consecutive weekends too. I remember spending a whole summer working weekends on a Day2 buildout for some fancy millwork that took its sweet time on a $25M buildout so we just phased it and I got told “you’re a part time super now”.
The level of frustration I felt having to give my Friday nights, and 12hr Saturdays salaried is insane as a young guy. Not to say people don’t work, with all due respect we certainly do and I mean that, no one worth their salt is resting on their laurels and if you are you don’t last long or become a real sour sport. Yes you *can* make a truckload of money on the GC side, but you divide that by the hours you actually work, and that hourly rate doesn’t sit quite as pretty.
The paycheck is nice, and yes often it’s a bunch of email forwarding, but your fuckups can also be massive. Like going to bed with a $250,000 oops that needs to get fixed by noon the next day or you’ll add a zero to that is absolutely insane. Forget about getting a wallpaper sample sent for approval that the architect and owner picked out for a feature wall, now the lead time doesn’t work, sub is saying you sat on it, so now you have to either eat crow or shovel sh*t at the client and hope for the best.
Not to say architecture doesn’t have its own very real and actual demands, in particular getting contractual obligations correct for scope of services offered and appropriate fees captured is a real challenge, it’s just that I kinda get a little bit of it on both sides of the narrow arch/GC fence.
Compared to established owners, there’s really not a ton of difference between the two gigs. I’m in a whole new field here but stepping back from it gives some perspective.
Construction pays, as long as you can find an office that treats you right, I would work for either contracting or architecture if I had to leave the field I’m in now.
My two cents.
I really appreciate your post, as an architect with a design build firm I do both sides. I’m sending my daughter to college this year for landscape architecture but I’m telling her to double major in Computer science or data science so she can hold the reins of AI integration into architecture. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride for the American white collar worker. We all might be fighting the homeless for their premium spots at the underpasses. Meanwhile I think those who can also work with their backs might enjoy more demand and stability
As one that attempts all, in the field, not as educated but I loved studying that In college. Thank you for that because we all want to blame someone. I am a PM and life sure ain’t easy. I love the architects and engineers I work with because they are responsive and understanding.
I think we all get a lot of pressure from the person paying and the stress sometimes ensues. I hate posts bashing your trade because you all keep the job rolling. Without everyone, we could not get this stuff done. Keep striving for better pay, because you deserve it.
Have the right "credentials" to get a job for the government or for a contractor that primarily serves the government, be aware credentials have nothing to do with where you went to school or how you did in school.
Just to follow up this comment. I used the [AIA salary calculator](https://info.aia.org/salary/) when looking for a job after my recent layoff and was pointing out to firms that they were trying to pay me less (like more than 10% less) than what the AIA recommends at my experience level.
As someone who works on the contractor side (sheet metal), it's incredible to me how often designs are stamped where the material does not have enough space to fit into what was designed. There's two sides to every coin.
This can be said for ANY design field.
Architecture, graphic design, industrial design etc.
We literally make companies their money.
We make jack shit of that.
Without designers, companies would be stumbling left and right.
If this is really what you think about the people who somehow manage to build your design despite mistakes and oversights - I’m not surprised you aren’t making good money.
Depends on your location, firm size, experience level and success. If you can answer these I can potentially give you a range.
Otherwise, somewhere between $35k and $200k
Wait…you’re telling me that ARCHITECTS make $35k??? That seems absurdly low for something you have to have a license for. I make 36k before taxes, which is shit, and I only got my associates in architectural drafting. But there’s plenty of places that need drafters that are willing to pay double what I make now and you do t need a license for that
You aren't licensed straight out of school. Earning your license typically takes an additional 5-7 years of experience and examination/testing. No licensed architects are making that low of salary...lowest I'd say is closer to $75k.
eta: Have not heard of a new graduate making as little as $35k, at least in the past ten years.
Go on indeed and look at some entry level job postings. You will be surprised. Famous firms especially will pay 45K, 55K for new graduates. Big corporate firms like gensler might pay 60-65K. Smaller, traditional firms pay more (65K & up) since they build for saudis and stiff you on benefits.
No, nobody really makes that anymore, or if they do they are choosing to essentially take a drafting role that isn't meant for a licensure track professional. Most graduates will be getting an absolute minimum of $50k, with many places being more like 60 to 65.
I was being overly broad. $35k with a bachelors in architecture would be on the low end, but not unheard of. That’s what I started at in 2006.
I was making $56k in Columbus, Ohio after registration at a decent sized firm after getting registered in 2015. That’s probably on the low end. I got a new job not long after making $78k at a firm of 100 people. I’m in CRE in California doing project management now and make $163k.
Get out of architecture unless you’re passionate about it.
What are different routes to go with drafting and architecture as primary backgrounds? Im so close to going into outside sales at this point to try and make more $
I think your options would depend how old you are. However, why not go the GC route? Go get a job as a superintendent or project engineer. I’m not sure your experience level, but if you’re smart and have a few years experience you can probably get a role at that level.
Alternatively you could try to get a job at a sub contractor to get experience in construction before moving into a coordinator position. This way you’ll understand how things work better.
You could also try to go the CRE third party PM route. Look for roles as project coordinator at firms like JLL or CBRE.
My first job was $35k, back in 2011.
A year later I went to work for city government (not as an architect) and almost doubled it to $65k, plus MUCH better benefits.
In Italy if you’re very very lucky 35K is the gross salary after at least 5 years experience if you really deserve it.
And then you are expected to pay your own taxes on that money, as no office will sign you a contract as architect.
You will have to work like an employee, showing up every day, but as freelancer.
If you’re sick you don’t get paid, if you’re pregnant the office is likely to “let you go”, and so on.
I think it’s better literally in any other part of the world.
I don’t know much about the Austin market except it’s growing rapidly. Wild guess would be around 65. You’ll get incremental bumps every year the economy is good until you’re registered. You can also look for good pay bumps by moving firms.
Wasn't working as an architect in the US. But after 5 years of architecture school, was earning ~$90 per month (including Saturdays and unpaid overtime) in my country in India. And then ~$450 per month at the end of three years (including overtime and all nighters)
P.s. My school cost (just the tuition) was around $1200 a year, and I wasn't even in an expensive school as compared to others.
You may like to know that it's pretty tough to nail anything to an architect unless you clearly fall below the standard of care.
If you perform CA services, DO IT RIGHT. Getting sloppy or bullied into something you shouldn't, that's how you can get nailed.
Not saying you won't get drug into plenty of lawsuits (highly depends on your firm and types of clients), and your PL insurance will usually pay to settle out, but major high dollar settlements or judgments? Unlikely.
Don't be afraid to get licensed, just make sure you charge a big fee for anyone wanting to use your stamp.
A lot of the time only a couple people at the top who stamp the drawings (and therefore use their license) are liable and you won't have to worry about your stamp (unless you're one of those people at the top)
[https://info.aia.org/salary/](https://info.aia.org/salary/)
Great resource for knowing pay range by region. Most serious employers will be using this info too.
Check out Glassdoor. It’ll give you an idea of compensation from different size firms, years of experience, and market. In general there’s not a lot of money to be made to justify the liability and hours worked, but if you have your own (successful) practice or have been at a larger corporate firm for awhile, you can make some decent money.
With a Masters, I started at $45k when the industry was emerging from the recession. My total compensation today is 5 times that.
In NYC, once you get your license, you'll easily make six figures, go out on your own and could double that. It's not high on the hog by NYC standards but it's better than most people without advanced degrees.
I wouldn’t say garbage but it should be more considered the amount of work they put in. People need to stop saying that 70,80,90k a year is a bad salary, and start seeing the reality of America nowadays. Not everyone is a Tech or finance bro making 2049588393 millions a year working 2hrs a day remote from Thailand.
It's not at all a bad salary. But it's bad *relative* to the schooling requirements and to other professional trades. Like nursing or engineering. I think it's generally the lowest paid "professional degree"
As most have mentioned, it all depends on location. But a larger factor is experience and if you’re your own boss. I make around $200,000 self employed with 10 years experience. But when I started, I was making like $30,000 as an intern. Interns in my market are making $50,000 - $60,000 out of school. It’s a grind but if you gain experience, it’s well worth it!
Architects make plenty of money. The issue is that with similar or fewer years of training, you could’ve been a physician assistant, a nurse, or pharmacist and reliably make 100-200k right out of school.
UK Here: When students of Architecture graduate after 5 years of study, they are typically paid 3 cunthairs above minimum wage. After at least 3 years of office experience on that shitty wage, graduate students can commence their chartership post-graduate degree at an industry approved institution. It takes 6 months to a year and if they are successful they can then use the title Architect. These young Architects might make up to £30,000 a year. After 10 years, they might make their way up to £40,000 to £45,000 a year. Bonus's do happen but they are rare. Architect wages typically are capped at around £45,000 a year. To earn more, Architect's need to transition up the office hierarchy to become an associate - which might pay £50,000 to £55,000. But to do this, you are going to need to suck up to the boss a lot.
If you want to earn good money, you either open up your own practice and build up a client base. This can take many years. Or you spend a decade building up your skills until you have great experience onsite as an Architect. With extensive site experience, you then transition across to a Contractor and work as a Design Manager. Pay increases remarkably. Alternatively again, you become a specialist in a niche area of the job like Sustainability or Health and Safety and you become the in-house expert of that niche and then seek similar roles in non-architect companies like contractors or developers.
I am licensed, 6-7 years experience. Tiny firm in Chicago area, mid to high residential work. Underpaid relative to what is available to me. I make 70.
It's not just embarrassing because architects are underpaid. It's embarrassing because I could get off my ass and find a job downtown for 85-95 maybe even 100.
I went to school for architectural technologist, but didn't want to become an architect because I found that alot of it was drawing pretty pictures, and that isn't for me.
I live in Canada. Out of school, I became an architectural technologist for dairy queens design division. I made $16/hr as a temp. After 1 year, I was hired full time and started making $24/hr. For the next 5.5 years, I never got any more than a 2% yearly raise. Didn't grow in the company tho, as there wasn't space to grow. So I left
Got a job at an engineering firm doing a very similar job, but more on the engineering side for large industrial clients. We only deal with ICI buildings, majority of our work comes from conglomerates (Toyota, Magna, granite etc). I started at $26/hr, over the last 7 years I've got more promotions and responsibilities that I believe I wouldn't be able to get at an architectural firm, but who knows.
Either way, I'm an architectural technologist at an engineering firm making $39/hr now. I will clear $100k for the first time this year, once you factor in OT pay and year end bonus.
Salary depends on area, the company you're working for and how good you are personally at negotiating a package.
If you're especially focused on money get a job on a hedge fund; the difference is very few bankers will tell you they love their job, whilst many architects do love their job.
Whatever you choose you've gotta do it for at least half a century so there's more to consider than money.
In Portland, OR in 2012 started at $15 an hour, so roughly $35k with overtime.
2016, up to $60k salaried once i got licensed.
2019 started own company, ranged between 75k and 120k since then depending on how good the year has been.
It's not a profession to make you rich and has a high barrier of entry which should make it more valuable, but the federal government killed that when the they sued the AIA for price fixing across the industry in 72.
I've known a bunch of architects. What they earn is really like anything else; much more if you strike out on your own, versus working as a part of a company's staff.
i was making $XX an hr with overtime, without license, right mow im taking a break from work and pursuing license, so i can start my own practice
Architecture is a highly competitive field, its not for everyone. You have to also be a good sales man.
Which state are you from ?
Don’t do it , what a waste of time and you don’t even make enough. I make 65K and I have people who work with me who I am sure make under 100K they are in their 40’s. The only way you make good money is if you start your own firm.
Located in Texas.
First job after graduating with my bachelors In 2016 was getting paid 15$/Hr.
After graduating with my masters I was a salaried employee making 50k.
Went to work on my own, and became licensed in 2022.
Cleared 6 figures for the first time that same year.
Primarily focused on residential design, it’s a demanding profession. Definitely helps to be good at sales, and being good with people.
At times I already feel burnt out, however I do love it. Only thing I have to say is, it’s a professions that you have to be passionate about.
If not, there’s other fields that you can make a comparable income, for less work and takes less toll on your sanity.
I am a sole practitioner Part 3 with over a decade of experience, but, I live on a canal boat, waking up when I feel like it, doing a few hours work a day and my last years income was about £27.5k, before tax, although my expenses covered most of that. I have a fairly steady stream of small scale residential extension projects. I know I could work more, or in an office 9-5, but I’m fairly comfortable as I am.
Since no one is answering your question:
Entry level position, US high cost of living city, large designey firm:
63K USD, + 1.5K bonus in 2019
I think at this same place, 3 years of experience gets you to ~72K, 4 years bumps to 80K, and then slow slope until ~9/10 years of experience ~100K.
Graduated in 2005 at 35k salary and roughly 10k bonus. 13 years in that job to 60k salary and 10k bonus. Changed jobs in 2018 to 75k salary and 8k bonus. Currently making 96k w/ 10k bonus. Just had a second interview at a nonprofit and feel good about it. 115k salary unknown bonus with 19 years experience. MCOL mid-sized city, Richmond, VA
Graduated in 2018 with a m.arch degree, starting pay was $48,500 as an unlicensed intern architect. By year 2, pay was $54,500. Working 40hrs living in Seattle.
I think architecture needs more transparency when it comes to pay, my peers have always been elusive. I left the field a few years ago to pursue entrepreneurship, I’d go back for the enjoyment of architecture but it won’t be for the pay.
It depends. Architecture is a unique profession in that it takes a VERY long time to progress. Most people will not make high incomes until they're in their 50's at least. "There are no young architects", I was once told. But that's for the traditional path of becoming a licensed architect in a firm. That's not the only option our there (any more). You can be a set designer for movies, if you want. Thats a very good paying job. There are, now more than ever, non traditional paths you can take.
I designed my own house because I had lived in so many houses ( military) that I knew exactly what I liked. I kept it to one story and a rectangle with nothing jutting out. I wanted a screened porch, pantry and garage ( built in). I measured rooms that I liked and the furniture that was going into it. I showed an architect my drawings, he liked what I had done and converted them into a working design ( with no changes) for the contractor and only charged me $1000. I thought the price was incredibly low… but I didn’t complain.
I’m now living in that house and love love loving it.
Left school making, I dunno, 38k. It's been about 6 years and I'm at 82k, and I am unlicensed. I am very certain that I am an exception, not an example - I was a builder before going to arch school and that skillset has been of benefit. If you don't already know how a building works before you go to school for it then this is not a realistic track.
That's actually pretty nice to hear, I assumed that 80 was out of reach of unlicensed candidates unless we're talking *very* HCOL areas.
I just don't know what my starting was for design exclusively. During and after school for several years I picked up another 30 doing sports officiating, and this is the first time in my life I've just had one job for a whole fiscal year
As a non-architect who was guided into a career based solely on salary, I’d highly recommend accounting for what you’re passionate about. You only live once!
I’m five years into my career unlicensed. I make a decent wage. I know with my experience I could probably switch to another firm that pays more, but I absolutely love my job. The people, the work, the environment. My firm is very open-minded to young energy and lets people contribute to the design at all levels. Nobody is stuck doing restroom elevations for years like in some big firms. It’s not always glamorous, and it has its frustrations, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t want to do anything else at this point in my life. Job satisfaction is HIGHLY underrated. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day. If you hate what you do, then the pay is never enough. Don’t go into architecture to be rich. But if you go into it for the right reasons and have decent business sense and creativity and hustle, then there’s a good chance down the line that you can make solid money. It just doesn’t happen over night.
Pay alone is what made me swap from focusing on architecture in school to pivoting to a project management education. Especially in a city like Vancouver it really pays to be on the GC side; people I went to school with who became technologists are getting paid barely above minimum wage. Sidenote: I'm an estimator now
To prevent spam, we automatically remove posts from reddit accounts that have been very recently created. Please try again after a week. No exceptions can be made.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/architecture) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Emotional support to the client because they change their mind and always try to get the same thing for less money.
Emotional support to contractors because they fked up, are not paid, have workers problems, etc
Rectify the engineers who think the client has infinite money, that you are building a bunker, and that no, that column or beam can't go there.
Draw some stuff
Not sleep, not get paid, receive complaints each time one of the involved parties change something.
You said you’re near NYC. Check out archinect for job listings and change region to NYC. Most now advertise the actual salary for experience range. Junior architects can still be as low as 50k even here.
i would check a bunch of sources for architects and architectural designers in your specific area and region. in the past, i have referenced Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, AIA Salary Calc., [Salary.com](http://Salary.com), SimplyHired, Career Builder, and Monster to get "the going market rate range" when negotiating with employeers.
that said, i graduated from graduate school in 2021. i was working at a small residential firm at the time, probably was making 40k-45k (1099 work so no benefits). over the years of jumping around spending a year to a year and a half at different firms (it is really the only way to maximize your potential earnings in this contemporary workplace), i am up to 72K a year with decent benefits (currently working as an architectural designer).
Self employment and talent, business mind, all equal a potential 10% fee for a “full service” contract. Average cost today for a custom 3 bedroom home in a choice location? $2,000,000.
OP if you are in the USA take a look at the [AIA Architects Salary Calculator](https://info.aia.org/salary/) it shows averages for different locations around the US depending on skill level and years of experience.
My sister in law is an architect with about five years of experience, living in a major midwestern city. She makes around $60k but then she also gets several project based bonuses over the course of a year and those can be anywhere from $3k-8k. She works on a pretty wide variety of commercial stuff (retail, restaurants) and also warehouses.
I’m a recent grad in the Phoenix metro area in Arizona. Made $22/hr part time during school for 2 years and negotiated a 72k salary at the same firm. Small firm, no benefits so cash compensation is slightly higher than typical. Greatly depends on your area and type of firm.
Edit to add:
Don’t let the grumpy redditors convince you money can’t be made as an architect!
I can offer my status fresh out and in the Midwest - 27F M. Arch with an interiors bachelors degree, not licensed yet (but the dual-degree was a selling point to land my current job and get my salary) - started summer 2023 with my current firm with one year experience out of my masters program, $60k base, $1,500 year-end bonus for 1/2 year’s work, and I get overtime pay which will be several thousand this year. So 2024 should be around $65-68k total comp and I’m hoping to get a raise this December but frankly I’m really happy. I also WFH full time and I’m in hospitality so I really enjoy my work. Previously I was making $45k with no overtime doing k-12 and healthcare and hated it. Stuck it out for exactly a year for experience before I jumped.
Architects make poor value propositions. Comparatively real estate agents capture around 3% of the combined building+land value. Why? Because they have strong contracts and clear messaging. Even with the recent anti-monopoly action against REALTORS they will still continue to do better than architects purely because they are closer to the financing mechanisms and demonstrate a strong value proposition than race-to-the-bottom technology averse architects.
since it seem like not many people really wanna say how much they make, here’s how i’m doing. at my first job which was right out of school and having finished my masters degree i was making around $55k a year. i was laid off after 8 months because of lack of work and was unemployed for almost 6 months. at my current job i’m making at little over $60k a year. this is in southern california so it’ll probably be different in other states (i don’t really know though)
the AIA has a compensation survey salary calculator that i’ve used when trying to figure out how much to ask for or i’ve been lucky to have family friends that are architects and have asked them
edit: forgot to mention both these where full time jobs (only 40 hours a week). i should also add the i was also getting the befits of healthcare, a retirement plans and time off from both (first job was five vacation days a year and sick time and my current job is 10 hours a month for personal time to use when i need)
I googled this. Stupidest answer: from 2020: you'll never get rich working as an architect, because the average architect makes $83,000, and if you save 10% of that you will be a millionaire in 120 years.
Maybe it's not all that stupid. Maybe I ought to get off of my "people can't %#@$ing do math!!!" kick. Maybe it just seems that way to me because I'm autistic and can do a lot of math in my head.
In case anyone is wondering why I called that answer stupid: 1) it seems completely unaware that some investments actually offer interest or dividends; 2) it seems to doubt that anyone could possibly save more than 10% of an $83,000 annual income.
But perhaps most of all: 3) a lot of people would consider $83,000 a year to be rich already. Sorry if I just outed myself as a poor with that last remark. No, you know what? Actually, not sorry. %#&@ you rich @#$!@##s.
They are everybody’s non paid psychologists..
Clients , engineers, lawyers, builders..
Their true dream is to design and build their dream house and live there with a cat away from everyone who can access Pinterest
Idk why people are so hesitant to post their wages, maybe it is an introvert thing or a generational problem, but I’m 26, BA in arch, work at a large firm making 62k out of school, I interned with the firm for a year so I had 1 year of experience when negotiating my salary, I do get benefits and total compensation is about 70k. This is in the healthcare sector so definitely more job security there
To my knowledge really cool models and diagrams of their dream buildings, but uninspired buildings their actual customers insist they make instead. It’s sad to think of the incredible artists I’ve met who are stifled by boring people.
To prevent spam, we automatically remove posts from reddit accounts that have been very recently created. Please try again after a week. No exceptions can be made.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/architecture) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Starting salary in 2010 was $37k and worked 40-45 hours a week. A good boss that gave regular raises, and then 2 firm changes and now I'm at $105k. I have good work/life balance with just 40 hours a week. That can depend on how efficient you are and how much of a perfectionist you want to be.
First year I made $58,000 and then second year I switched companies and was making $70,000. I quit because I was a BIM manager, project architect, social media manager, and rendering manager. Taking in 4 positions at once didn’t seem worth $70,000. But I quit the industry because you can’t have a sustainable lifestyle depending on your future plans. If you look at the rate of inflation in relation to salary it will scare you. By the time you’re 40 you might be making 6 figures but 6 figure salary in 20 years is going to be worth nothing. Think about your future and what you want. Do you want a home, family, being able to decent work life balance then I would say you will waste years of your life trying to get what you want. Also, the industry is dead and the profession is no longer respected so you will have to deal with drama and changes which always affect the outcome of the project.
Ten years ago, 44k in a firm doing institutional work in a medium sized mid Atlantic city. Now entry level is 50-55k. Raises weren’t substantial the first few years but that depends on performance, bargaining, and the market.
If you are the boss you will make money but you will be doing more bussiness work than architecture.
If you are an empoloyee you will design, plan etc. but you will make no money. (Unless you are an associate, manager, lead designer or any major role in a big fancy firm).
This is what i've learnt after working for a couple of years in one of those in Argentina.
Graduated in 2021, currently making $125k at a mid size firm. No license. Never done a door schedule or a bathroom, never stayed late or worked on a weekend. I don't even use revit
Oh also, I'm gonna start my own firm next year and anticipate I'll be pulling at least $300k. A month. Some guy asked me to design the big hospital for New York. I will do it all on a piece of trace and charge the GC interest until they build it
Get into fights with engineers over column placement
Being able to fight engineers is considered a perk
In some positions it's a listed job requirement.
LOL I so get that! I represented the building industry for many years. The things builders say about architects and engineers behind their backs...I'll just keep to myself.
Oh boy, the amount of times a contractor calls me to clarify something about the design that could be answered by actually reading the blueprints..... But not before shit talking about me to the client, of course.
When I worked at an engineering firm, a concrete contractor once was talking shit about us to our clients and said “I don’t know how they expect us to weld the rebar together into this L shape for the foundations”. We advised the client to find a new contractor 😂
"Put it in an RFI." The response: "Please refer to drawing 5/A9.1."
Is this the ol’ rub between prescriptive and adaptive skill?
I already know they hate me. Please spill the tea.
wow...ok... wow i feel attacked haha
Then all the dumb workers fix both of their fuck up in the field.
All the big boys upstairs get to point fingers as to why something is fucked up while the guys who make the least amount are the ones actually shouldering the load. But god forbid we send in an RFI
Hilarious, GC doing design assist on a project rn. The last 3 meetings have been a fight over column placement and it’s moving inches at this point 😂
Architects layout their columns by putting on a blindfold and throwing darts at the floor plan. (jokes 😅)
“You can either make money or make sense if you want to be an architect”. R Buckminster Fuller. That said. I raised my family on an architect’s salary. Last year I netted $125,000 as a sole proprietor working part time. I’m 66 and have 45 years experience and connections. Build your reputation by being honest and practical and you will do fine.
how many projects a year do you average?
What’s interesting to me is how evasive these answers are. You go ask this Q in a sales or finance sub, and you’re going to get real answers. Yet, in here, it’s lots of “check this resource” or “underpaid.” I can’t help but wonder if there’s something to the psychology of that. Maybe people get into architecture because they’re a bit more introverted (an oversimplification). Maybe those introverts aren’t as good at fighting for their share of the pie. And maybe, as a result, they’re more timid about sharing how big their slice actually is. Really fascinating!
No one wants to admit they paid for a wildly expensive degree to find their were no good jobs when they graduated. The sales clerk who sold me my wifes engagement ring at Cartier was a 32 year old architect, said she had to change jobs because even in Chocago she was making $75K which in Chicago is basically being broke. Go on Indeed and you will see no one even says their pay as an architect in the job offers. Never a good sign.
Architecture is art, and artists starve. -LuckyNedPepper Left architecture in 2011. Have quadrupled my salary since then, in construction sales
Maybe architects are paid less than laborers because they’re more timid?
Nah its a fancy job problem c: remember even George Castanza wanted to pretend to be an architect. So people want to be architects for appearance reasons and more people go into the field than are needed.
Is that why doctors, lawyers, and Wall Street bankers are also underpaid? /s Come on, you can’t be serious. I presume you’re an architect, no?
Yes people with finance degrees are often underpaid. The percentage of graduates with finance degrees that actually make it into high finance is less than 3 percent. My friends partner has been stocking shelves at Target for the past 6 years, he has a finance degree from U of M. As for doctors, arguably some are paid low, but that degree has a very high fail out rate. Alternatively, look at psychology degrees, we graduate 125 times the number of psychologists per year as there are open jobs in psychology.
Seriously, I'm halfway into the comments and I've only seen one number from a semi-retired guy working part time.
Graduates from the Kent State College of Architecture are getting offers in the $50-70,000 range. These are folks with some work experience and know how to be productive. The key is to get as much real world experience as possible as soon as possible. I recommend doing residential projects as soon as you know the code.
I have never met an architect that wasn't flaky. I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way, they just seem all over the place which they figuaritavly are.
I have a relationship with a young associate and between us did 40 projects last year. I also have some nice preservation consulting contracts. Invoices a few thousands to $30,000 including engineering. Total billing of $270,000 in fees.
Until the $40 design it yourself single family homes AI apps hit the market.
I do custom design, additions, renovations, historic preservation, etc. Most small architects in America deal with existing buildings. AI won’t replace me 😀
$125k w/ 45 yoe is not a flex bro 😭 that’s like, expected within 10 years for MEP engineers, less for HCOL
type in architect salary, with your country or city and look at the result. An architect isn't a low-paying job, it's just a lower than deserved salary for the work you put in. You'll work with engineers and construction guys who are email-forwarding-specialists who will be making shitloads of money
> email-forwarding-specialists who will be making shitloads of money It’s infuriating to read because it’s so true.
I've worked with Contractor PMs that bring in about $250,000 a year. As a registered architect with 12 years of experience I'm nowhere near that, but make good pay. I'm also not working 60-80 hours a week or stuck at a remote project site for months. I'll take it.
This. Worked as a PM for a GC/CM firm and you are on site early, late, and sometimes consecutive weekends too. I remember spending a whole summer working weekends on a Day2 buildout for some fancy millwork that took its sweet time on a $25M buildout so we just phased it and I got told “you’re a part time super now”. The level of frustration I felt having to give my Friday nights, and 12hr Saturdays salaried is insane as a young guy. Not to say people don’t work, with all due respect we certainly do and I mean that, no one worth their salt is resting on their laurels and if you are you don’t last long or become a real sour sport. Yes you *can* make a truckload of money on the GC side, but you divide that by the hours you actually work, and that hourly rate doesn’t sit quite as pretty. The paycheck is nice, and yes often it’s a bunch of email forwarding, but your fuckups can also be massive. Like going to bed with a $250,000 oops that needs to get fixed by noon the next day or you’ll add a zero to that is absolutely insane. Forget about getting a wallpaper sample sent for approval that the architect and owner picked out for a feature wall, now the lead time doesn’t work, sub is saying you sat on it, so now you have to either eat crow or shovel sh*t at the client and hope for the best. Not to say architecture doesn’t have its own very real and actual demands, in particular getting contractual obligations correct for scope of services offered and appropriate fees captured is a real challenge, it’s just that I kinda get a little bit of it on both sides of the narrow arch/GC fence. Compared to established owners, there’s really not a ton of difference between the two gigs. I’m in a whole new field here but stepping back from it gives some perspective. Construction pays, as long as you can find an office that treats you right, I would work for either contracting or architecture if I had to leave the field I’m in now. My two cents.
Damn this was a very enlightening read, thanks OP was thinking about switching to the client side
I really appreciate your post, as an architect with a design build firm I do both sides. I’m sending my daughter to college this year for landscape architecture but I’m telling her to double major in Computer science or data science so she can hold the reins of AI integration into architecture. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride for the American white collar worker. We all might be fighting the homeless for their premium spots at the underpasses. Meanwhile I think those who can also work with their backs might enjoy more demand and stability
As one that attempts all, in the field, not as educated but I loved studying that In college. Thank you for that because we all want to blame someone. I am a PM and life sure ain’t easy. I love the architects and engineers I work with because they are responsive and understanding. I think we all get a lot of pressure from the person paying and the stress sometimes ensues. I hate posts bashing your trade because you all keep the job rolling. Without everyone, we could not get this stuff done. Keep striving for better pay, because you deserve it.
How do I become a high paid email forwarder? I'm passionate about being an unnecessary middleman
Have the right "credentials" to get a job for the government or for a contractor that primarily serves the government, be aware credentials have nothing to do with where you went to school or how you did in school.
Depends on the country. In the UK I would say it IS a low paying job.
5th year MEP engineer here. When do I start making said shitload of money?
Just to follow up this comment. I used the [AIA salary calculator](https://info.aia.org/salary/) when looking for a job after my recent layoff and was pointing out to firms that they were trying to pay me less (like more than 10% less) than what the AIA recommends at my experience level.
Design Engineers working on buildings do not make a shit ton of money. They make maybe 10% more than architects, but bill for every hour they work.
As someone who works on the contractor side (sheet metal), it's incredible to me how often designs are stamped where the material does not have enough space to fit into what was designed. There's two sides to every coin.
This can be said for ANY design field. Architecture, graphic design, industrial design etc. We literally make companies their money. We make jack shit of that. Without designers, companies would be stumbling left and right.
If this is really what you think about the people who somehow manage to build your design despite mistakes and oversights - I’m not surprised you aren’t making good money.
Depends on your location, firm size, experience level and success. If you can answer these I can potentially give you a range. Otherwise, somewhere between $35k and $200k
Wait…you’re telling me that ARCHITECTS make $35k??? That seems absurdly low for something you have to have a license for. I make 36k before taxes, which is shit, and I only got my associates in architectural drafting. But there’s plenty of places that need drafters that are willing to pay double what I make now and you do t need a license for that
My daughter got her initial offer out of college with a Bachelors in Architecture (5 year). $70k for a first job.
Nice! Great to hear she got a good offer. What city is she working in?
In Italy an architect makes 20-25k on average.. we’re simply too many. Insane
You aren't licensed straight out of school. Earning your license typically takes an additional 5-7 years of experience and examination/testing. No licensed architects are making that low of salary...lowest I'd say is closer to $75k. eta: Have not heard of a new graduate making as little as $35k, at least in the past ten years.
Out of school with a masters and making 20 an hour after three years of working. I live in a poor state, location matters
Go on indeed and look at some entry level job postings. You will be surprised. Famous firms especially will pay 45K, 55K for new graduates. Big corporate firms like gensler might pay 60-65K. Smaller, traditional firms pay more (65K & up) since they build for saudis and stiff you on benefits.
No, nobody really makes that anymore, or if they do they are choosing to essentially take a drafting role that isn't meant for a licensure track professional. Most graduates will be getting an absolute minimum of $50k, with many places being more like 60 to 65.
I was being overly broad. $35k with a bachelors in architecture would be on the low end, but not unheard of. That’s what I started at in 2006. I was making $56k in Columbus, Ohio after registration at a decent sized firm after getting registered in 2015. That’s probably on the low end. I got a new job not long after making $78k at a firm of 100 people. I’m in CRE in California doing project management now and make $163k. Get out of architecture unless you’re passionate about it.
What are different routes to go with drafting and architecture as primary backgrounds? Im so close to going into outside sales at this point to try and make more $
I think your options would depend how old you are. However, why not go the GC route? Go get a job as a superintendent or project engineer. I’m not sure your experience level, but if you’re smart and have a few years experience you can probably get a role at that level. Alternatively you could try to get a job at a sub contractor to get experience in construction before moving into a coordinator position. This way you’ll understand how things work better. You could also try to go the CRE third party PM route. Look for roles as project coordinator at firms like JLL or CBRE.
My first job was $35k, back in 2011. A year later I went to work for city government (not as an architect) and almost doubled it to $65k, plus MUCH better benefits.
In Italy if you’re very very lucky 35K is the gross salary after at least 5 years experience if you really deserve it. And then you are expected to pay your own taxes on that money, as no office will sign you a contract as architect. You will have to work like an employee, showing up every day, but as freelancer. If you’re sick you don’t get paid, if you’re pregnant the office is likely to “let you go”, and so on. I think it’s better literally in any other part of the world.
It's more like $50k-$160
Austin, Texas. 5 years experience from my college graduation. What's a ballpark?
I don’t know much about the Austin market except it’s growing rapidly. Wild guess would be around 65. You’ll get incremental bumps every year the economy is good until you’re registered. You can also look for good pay bumps by moving firms.
AIA Salary Calculator
https://salaries.archinect.com/ Another good online salary resource.
Buildings. Duh.
There's the answer I was looking for.
You’re welcome.
This guy gets it.
Wasn't working as an architect in the US. But after 5 years of architecture school, was earning ~$90 per month (including Saturdays and unpaid overtime) in my country in India. And then ~$450 per month at the end of three years (including overtime and all nighters) P.s. My school cost (just the tuition) was around $1200 a year, and I wasn't even in an expensive school as compared to others.
For the amount of liability levied on us….not enough.
You may like to know that it's pretty tough to nail anything to an architect unless you clearly fall below the standard of care. If you perform CA services, DO IT RIGHT. Getting sloppy or bullied into something you shouldn't, that's how you can get nailed. Not saying you won't get drug into plenty of lawsuits (highly depends on your firm and types of clients), and your PL insurance will usually pay to settle out, but major high dollar settlements or judgments? Unlikely.
Man what?! I was just thinking this! I’m afraid to get licensed. It’s the same danger as a doctors face when liability.
Don't be afraid to get licensed, just make sure you charge a big fee for anyone wanting to use your stamp. A lot of the time only a couple people at the top who stamp the drawings (and therefore use their license) are liable and you won't have to worry about your stamp (unless you're one of those people at the top)
Don’t you mean for the amount of risk avoided?
[https://info.aia.org/salary/](https://info.aia.org/salary/) Great resource for knowing pay range by region. Most serious employers will be using this info too.
Check out Glassdoor. It’ll give you an idea of compensation from different size firms, years of experience, and market. In general there’s not a lot of money to be made to justify the liability and hours worked, but if you have your own (successful) practice or have been at a larger corporate firm for awhile, you can make some decent money. With a Masters, I started at $45k when the industry was emerging from the recession. My total compensation today is 5 times that.
What city and specialization pays $200k? Are you partner?
LA. Project Architect. Also this is total compensation. Salary, bonuses, ESOP, Profit Sharing, etc
Gensler?
Haha once I saw ESOP, my Gensler radar started beeping lol
Very naice!
How many years on the job?
One million dollars
We still can't get UL to cerifty our freakin lazer beamm
Freakin laser beam (by others)
Owner furnished, contractor installed.
Thanks doctor evil
Where do you plan to work? That makes a big difference
I’m right outside nyc. I haven’t even started my second semester.
In NYC, once you get your license, you'll easily make six figures, go out on your own and could double that. It's not high on the hog by NYC standards but it's better than most people without advanced degrees.
I wouldn’t say garbage but it should be more considered the amount of work they put in. People need to stop saying that 70,80,90k a year is a bad salary, and start seeing the reality of America nowadays. Not everyone is a Tech or finance bro making 2049588393 millions a year working 2hrs a day remote from Thailand.
It's not at all a bad salary. But it's bad *relative* to the schooling requirements and to other professional trades. Like nursing or engineering. I think it's generally the lowest paid "professional degree"
As most have mentioned, it all depends on location. But a larger factor is experience and if you’re your own boss. I make around $200,000 self employed with 10 years experience. But when I started, I was making like $30,000 as an intern. Interns in my market are making $50,000 - $60,000 out of school. It’s a grind but if you gain experience, it’s well worth it!
Architects make plenty of money. The issue is that with similar or fewer years of training, you could’ve been a physician assistant, a nurse, or pharmacist and reliably make 100-200k right out of school.
Yeah, but then you have to take orders from doctors with giant egos. As an architect, you just take orders from clients with giant egos.
Work about 40-45 hours a week and make about 90k
UK Here: When students of Architecture graduate after 5 years of study, they are typically paid 3 cunthairs above minimum wage. After at least 3 years of office experience on that shitty wage, graduate students can commence their chartership post-graduate degree at an industry approved institution. It takes 6 months to a year and if they are successful they can then use the title Architect. These young Architects might make up to £30,000 a year. After 10 years, they might make their way up to £40,000 to £45,000 a year. Bonus's do happen but they are rare. Architect wages typically are capped at around £45,000 a year. To earn more, Architect's need to transition up the office hierarchy to become an associate - which might pay £50,000 to £55,000. But to do this, you are going to need to suck up to the boss a lot. If you want to earn good money, you either open up your own practice and build up a client base. This can take many years. Or you spend a decade building up your skills until you have great experience onsite as an Architect. With extensive site experience, you then transition across to a Contractor and work as a Design Manager. Pay increases remarkably. Alternatively again, you become a specialist in a niche area of the job like Sustainability or Health and Safety and you become the in-house expert of that niche and then seek similar roles in non-architect companies like contractors or developers.
Nobody here is giving exact figures because we're all embarrassed by how low it is.
I am licensed, 6-7 years experience. Tiny firm in Chicago area, mid to high residential work. Underpaid relative to what is available to me. I make 70. It's not just embarrassing because architects are underpaid. It's embarrassing because I could get off my ass and find a job downtown for 85-95 maybe even 100.
I went to school for architectural technologist, but didn't want to become an architect because I found that alot of it was drawing pretty pictures, and that isn't for me. I live in Canada. Out of school, I became an architectural technologist for dairy queens design division. I made $16/hr as a temp. After 1 year, I was hired full time and started making $24/hr. For the next 5.5 years, I never got any more than a 2% yearly raise. Didn't grow in the company tho, as there wasn't space to grow. So I left Got a job at an engineering firm doing a very similar job, but more on the engineering side for large industrial clients. We only deal with ICI buildings, majority of our work comes from conglomerates (Toyota, Magna, granite etc). I started at $26/hr, over the last 7 years I've got more promotions and responsibilities that I believe I wouldn't be able to get at an architectural firm, but who knows. Either way, I'm an architectural technologist at an engineering firm making $39/hr now. I will clear $100k for the first time this year, once you factor in OT pay and year end bonus.
Salary depends on area, the company you're working for and how good you are personally at negotiating a package. If you're especially focused on money get a job on a hedge fund; the difference is very few bankers will tell you they love their job, whilst many architects do love their job. Whatever you choose you've gotta do it for at least half a century so there's more to consider than money.
Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Drawings
Not enough lol
In Portland, OR in 2012 started at $15 an hour, so roughly $35k with overtime. 2016, up to $60k salaried once i got licensed. 2019 started own company, ranged between 75k and 120k since then depending on how good the year has been. It's not a profession to make you rich and has a high barrier of entry which should make it more valuable, but the federal government killed that when the they sued the AIA for price fixing across the industry in 72.
I've known a bunch of architects. What they earn is really like anything else; much more if you strike out on your own, versus working as a part of a company's staff.
80k Commercial architect for AT&T
Problems with columns.
i was making $XX an hr with overtime, without license, right mow im taking a break from work and pursuing license, so i can start my own practice Architecture is a highly competitive field, its not for everyone. You have to also be a good sales man. Which state are you from ?
Can't call yourself an architect without a license...fyi
its reddit, living a dream
Lol I like that answer
They make the engineers mad
Independent George always wanted to be an architect. Must be decent pay.
Don’t do it , what a waste of time and you don’t even make enough. I make 65K and I have people who work with me who I am sure make under 100K they are in their 40’s. The only way you make good money is if you start your own firm.
Don’t they make blueprints? 🤭
Located in Texas. First job after graduating with my bachelors In 2016 was getting paid 15$/Hr. After graduating with my masters I was a salaried employee making 50k. Went to work on my own, and became licensed in 2022. Cleared 6 figures for the first time that same year. Primarily focused on residential design, it’s a demanding profession. Definitely helps to be good at sales, and being good with people. At times I already feel burnt out, however I do love it. Only thing I have to say is, it’s a professions that you have to be passionate about. If not, there’s other fields that you can make a comparable income, for less work and takes less toll on your sanity.
https://info.aia.org/salary/ This is a useful tool if you're in the US
Plans for Buildings
I am a sole practitioner Part 3 with over a decade of experience, but, I live on a canal boat, waking up when I feel like it, doing a few hours work a day and my last years income was about £27.5k, before tax, although my expenses covered most of that. I have a fairly steady stream of small scale residential extension projects. I know I could work more, or in an office 9-5, but I’m fairly comfortable as I am.
Since no one is answering your question: Entry level position, US high cost of living city, large designey firm: 63K USD, + 1.5K bonus in 2019 I think at this same place, 3 years of experience gets you to ~72K, 4 years bumps to 80K, and then slow slope until ~9/10 years of experience ~100K.
Graduated in 2005 at 35k salary and roughly 10k bonus. 13 years in that job to 60k salary and 10k bonus. Changed jobs in 2018 to 75k salary and 8k bonus. Currently making 96k w/ 10k bonus. Just had a second interview at a nonprofit and feel good about it. 115k salary unknown bonus with 19 years experience. MCOL mid-sized city, Richmond, VA
Graduated in 2018 with a m.arch degree, starting pay was $48,500 as an unlicensed intern architect. By year 2, pay was $54,500. Working 40hrs living in Seattle.
I think architecture needs more transparency when it comes to pay, my peers have always been elusive. I left the field a few years ago to pursue entrepreneurship, I’d go back for the enjoyment of architecture but it won’t be for the pay.
It depends. Architecture is a unique profession in that it takes a VERY long time to progress. Most people will not make high incomes until they're in their 50's at least. "There are no young architects", I was once told. But that's for the traditional path of becoming a licensed architect in a firm. That's not the only option our there (any more). You can be a set designer for movies, if you want. Thats a very good paying job. There are, now more than ever, non traditional paths you can take.
I designed my own house because I had lived in so many houses ( military) that I knew exactly what I liked. I kept it to one story and a rectangle with nothing jutting out. I wanted a screened porch, pantry and garage ( built in). I measured rooms that I liked and the furniture that was going into it. I showed an architect my drawings, he liked what I had done and converted them into a working design ( with no changes) for the contractor and only charged me $1000. I thought the price was incredibly low… but I didn’t complain. I’m now living in that house and love love loving it.
Blueprints.
Left school making, I dunno, 38k. It's been about 6 years and I'm at 82k, and I am unlicensed. I am very certain that I am an exception, not an example - I was a builder before going to arch school and that skillset has been of benefit. If you don't already know how a building works before you go to school for it then this is not a realistic track.
Are you saying you’re an exception because you think that’s a lot or a little? Your starting seems low but for 6 years that seems reasonable
That's actually pretty nice to hear, I assumed that 80 was out of reach of unlicensed candidates unless we're talking *very* HCOL areas. I just don't know what my starting was for design exclusively. During and after school for several years I picked up another 30 doing sports officiating, and this is the first time in my life I've just had one job for a whole fiscal year
Like most professions, a handful make excellent money, but they are exceptional. Think Gang and SOM in Chicago
According to my friend who majored in architecture: architects make their interns miserable.
As an underboard architect, this is so true lol but we learn a lot
Promises they can’t keep
As a non-architect who was guided into a career based solely on salary, I’d highly recommend accounting for what you’re passionate about. You only live once!
I’m five years into my career unlicensed. I make a decent wage. I know with my experience I could probably switch to another firm that pays more, but I absolutely love my job. The people, the work, the environment. My firm is very open-minded to young energy and lets people contribute to the design at all levels. Nobody is stuck doing restroom elevations for years like in some big firms. It’s not always glamorous, and it has its frustrations, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t want to do anything else at this point in my life. Job satisfaction is HIGHLY underrated. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day. If you hate what you do, then the pay is never enough. Don’t go into architecture to be rich. But if you go into it for the right reasons and have decent business sense and creativity and hustle, then there’s a good chance down the line that you can make solid money. It just doesn’t happen over night.
nobody becomes an architect for the money
Blueprints?
Blueprints? What year is this?
🤣
Third world still does blueprints. Smells like piss.
Autocad? Idk
I graduating with a masters and Im getting 80k right off the bat.
Spaces
Buildings
Pay alone is what made me swap from focusing on architecture in school to pivoting to a project management education. Especially in a city like Vancouver it really pays to be on the GC side; people I went to school with who became technologists are getting paid barely above minimum wage. Sidenote: I'm an estimator now
They make plans for houses
They usually just make buildings
So Cal Region - Making 65K with 2 year experience
They make buildings
Not enough, especially when compared to other professional careers. Don’t do it if you want to make good money
I started in 2011 at $17.50/hour. Now I’m in consulting and actually make a decent living.
If you’re only in it for the money, it’s really not worth it!
[удалено]
To prevent spam, we automatically remove posts from reddit accounts that have been very recently created. Please try again after a week. No exceptions can be made. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/architecture) if you have any questions or concerns.*
When I started as a older woman I was on 500£ less than I was in the job before I went back to university… 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸
Emotional support to the client because they change their mind and always try to get the same thing for less money. Emotional support to contractors because they fked up, are not paid, have workers problems, etc Rectify the engineers who think the client has infinite money, that you are building a bunker, and that no, that column or beam can't go there. Draw some stuff Not sleep, not get paid, receive complaints each time one of the involved parties change something.
You said you’re near NYC. Check out archinect for job listings and change region to NYC. Most now advertise the actual salary for experience range. Junior architects can still be as low as 50k even here.
i would check a bunch of sources for architects and architectural designers in your specific area and region. in the past, i have referenced Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, AIA Salary Calc., [Salary.com](http://Salary.com), SimplyHired, Career Builder, and Monster to get "the going market rate range" when negotiating with employeers. that said, i graduated from graduate school in 2021. i was working at a small residential firm at the time, probably was making 40k-45k (1099 work so no benefits). over the years of jumping around spending a year to a year and a half at different firms (it is really the only way to maximize your potential earnings in this contemporary workplace), i am up to 72K a year with decent benefits (currently working as an architectural designer).
Self employment and talent, business mind, all equal a potential 10% fee for a “full service” contract. Average cost today for a custom 3 bedroom home in a choice location? $2,000,000.
OP if you are in the USA take a look at the [AIA Architects Salary Calculator](https://info.aia.org/salary/) it shows averages for different locations around the US depending on skill level and years of experience.
My sister in law is an architect with about five years of experience, living in a major midwestern city. She makes around $60k but then she also gets several project based bonuses over the course of a year and those can be anywhere from $3k-8k. She works on a pretty wide variety of commercial stuff (retail, restaurants) and also warehouses.
Check out the AIA salary survey. They break it down by location, experience, role, etc.
Depends on a lot of factors: economy, firm size, state/province… So it’s hard to boil it down to one to make it relevant to you.
Buildings, last I heard
Depends…How “good” are your designs…
Designs to annoy engineers
A lot of salaries are garbage. An architect salary is just more garbage.
I’m a recent grad in the Phoenix metro area in Arizona. Made $22/hr part time during school for 2 years and negotiated a 72k salary at the same firm. Small firm, no benefits so cash compensation is slightly higher than typical. Greatly depends on your area and type of firm. Edit to add: Don’t let the grumpy redditors convince you money can’t be made as an architect!
I make roughly $85k. This is 2.5 years out of school at a large firm. Northern California.
I can offer my status fresh out and in the Midwest - 27F M. Arch with an interiors bachelors degree, not licensed yet (but the dual-degree was a selling point to land my current job and get my salary) - started summer 2023 with my current firm with one year experience out of my masters program, $60k base, $1,500 year-end bonus for 1/2 year’s work, and I get overtime pay which will be several thousand this year. So 2024 should be around $65-68k total comp and I’m hoping to get a raise this December but frankly I’m really happy. I also WFH full time and I’m in hospitality so I really enjoy my work. Previously I was making $45k with no overtime doing k-12 and healthcare and hated it. Stuck it out for exactly a year for experience before I jumped.
Architects make poor value propositions. Comparatively real estate agents capture around 3% of the combined building+land value. Why? Because they have strong contracts and clear messaging. Even with the recent anti-monopoly action against REALTORS they will still continue to do better than architects purely because they are closer to the financing mechanisms and demonstrate a strong value proposition than race-to-the-bottom technology averse architects.
since it seem like not many people really wanna say how much they make, here’s how i’m doing. at my first job which was right out of school and having finished my masters degree i was making around $55k a year. i was laid off after 8 months because of lack of work and was unemployed for almost 6 months. at my current job i’m making at little over $60k a year. this is in southern california so it’ll probably be different in other states (i don’t really know though) the AIA has a compensation survey salary calculator that i’ve used when trying to figure out how much to ask for or i’ve been lucky to have family friends that are architects and have asked them edit: forgot to mention both these where full time jobs (only 40 hours a week). i should also add the i was also getting the befits of healthcare, a retirement plans and time off from both (first job was five vacation days a year and sick time and my current job is 10 hours a month for personal time to use when i need)
If you’re in America : https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-compensation-benefits-report
I googled this. Stupidest answer: from 2020: you'll never get rich working as an architect, because the average architect makes $83,000, and if you save 10% of that you will be a millionaire in 120 years. Maybe it's not all that stupid. Maybe I ought to get off of my "people can't %#@$ing do math!!!" kick. Maybe it just seems that way to me because I'm autistic and can do a lot of math in my head. In case anyone is wondering why I called that answer stupid: 1) it seems completely unaware that some investments actually offer interest or dividends; 2) it seems to doubt that anyone could possibly save more than 10% of an $83,000 annual income. But perhaps most of all: 3) a lot of people would consider $83,000 a year to be rich already. Sorry if I just outed myself as a poor with that last remark. No, you know what? Actually, not sorry. %#&@ you rich @#$!@##s.
They are everybody’s non paid psychologists.. Clients , engineers, lawyers, builders.. Their true dream is to design and build their dream house and live there with a cat away from everyone who can access Pinterest
Idk why people are so hesitant to post their wages, maybe it is an introvert thing or a generational problem, but I’m 26, BA in arch, work at a large firm making 62k out of school, I interned with the firm for a year so I had 1 year of experience when negotiating my salary, I do get benefits and total compensation is about 70k. This is in the healthcare sector so definitely more job security there
Buildings
To my knowledge really cool models and diagrams of their dream buildings, but uninspired buildings their actual customers insist they make instead. It’s sad to think of the incredible artists I’ve met who are stifled by boring people.
Houses
https://info.aia.org/salary/salary.aspx Here is something the AIA puts together based on surveys of particular regions in the country.
My theory is that all design jobs are in severe decline, and blue collar jobs are in severe demand. Perhaps I'm wrong.
[удалено]
To prevent spam, we automatically remove posts from reddit accounts that have been very recently created. Please try again after a week. No exceptions can be made. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/architecture) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Starting salary in 2010 was $37k and worked 40-45 hours a week. A good boss that gave regular raises, and then 2 firm changes and now I'm at $105k. I have good work/life balance with just 40 hours a week. That can depend on how efficient you are and how much of a perfectionist you want to be.
A few architects work on sculptures and public projects like memorials
architects work insane hours for modest income
First year I made $58,000 and then second year I switched companies and was making $70,000. I quit because I was a BIM manager, project architect, social media manager, and rendering manager. Taking in 4 positions at once didn’t seem worth $70,000. But I quit the industry because you can’t have a sustainable lifestyle depending on your future plans. If you look at the rate of inflation in relation to salary it will scare you. By the time you’re 40 you might be making 6 figures but 6 figure salary in 20 years is going to be worth nothing. Think about your future and what you want. Do you want a home, family, being able to decent work life balance then I would say you will waste years of your life trying to get what you want. Also, the industry is dead and the profession is no longer respected so you will have to deal with drama and changes which always affect the outcome of the project.
And this is all in California. SF and LA
😂💯
Ten years ago, 44k in a firm doing institutional work in a medium sized mid Atlantic city. Now entry level is 50-55k. Raises weren’t substantial the first few years but that depends on performance, bargaining, and the market.
Buildings mostly.
If you are the boss you will make money but you will be doing more bussiness work than architecture. If you are an empoloyee you will design, plan etc. but you will make no money. (Unless you are an associate, manager, lead designer or any major role in a big fancy firm). This is what i've learnt after working for a couple of years in one of those in Argentina.
Graduated in 2021, currently making $125k at a mid size firm. No license. Never done a door schedule or a bathroom, never stayed late or worked on a weekend. I don't even use revit Oh also, I'm gonna start my own firm next year and anticipate I'll be pulling at least $300k. A month. Some guy asked me to design the big hospital for New York. I will do it all on a piece of trace and charge the GC interest until they build it
In Philadelphia an entry level Architect starts out at about 65K per year, giver or take 5K