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Architect
O*NET-SOC: 17-1011.00
Engineering
Plans and designs buildings, structures, and spaces, balancing aesthetics, functionality, safety, and environmental impact while adhering to building codes and client requirements.
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$97K
Median Salary
+5%
Stable
Bachelor's Degree
Min. Education
Moderate Balance
Work-Life Balance
About This Role
Architects plan and design buildings, from homes and offices to schools and hospitals. They spend a large portion of their time working in design software to create floor plans, elevations, and three-dimensional models, translating a client's needs and vision into detailed construction documents. A project might begin with rough sketches and space planning, then progress through months of refinement as the architect selects materials, resolves structural challenges, and ensures the design meets local building codes and zoning regulations.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Review project emails
Check messages from contractors and clients, note any change requests, and update the day's priorities based on deadlines.
8:45 AM
Design and drafting session
Refine floor plans and elevations in design software, incorporating client feedback on room layouts, window placement, and material choices.
10:30 AM
Client presentation
Walk a client through 3D renderings of their project, discuss material options and budget implications, and document their decisions.
12:30 PM
Lunch break
Step away from the desk for a break, then review building code notes relevant to the afternoon's work.
1:30 PM
Construction site visit
Inspect an active project to verify that construction matches the approved drawings, take measurements, and discuss any field issues with the contractor.
3:30 PM
Produce detail drawings
Create cross-sections, wall details, and fixture specifications that contractors will use during construction.
4:30 PM
Coordinate with engineers
Review structural, mechanical, and electrical plans with the engineering team to ensure all systems are integrated correctly.
5:30 PM
Prepare permit submissions
Compile drawings, calculations, and forms needed for the local building department, and file project documents.
Tools & Technologies
- CAD & Design
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Bentley MicroStation
- Databases & Data Tools
- AWS EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- AWS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Database Systems
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
- MongoDB
- NoSQL
- Graphics & Design
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- McNeel Rhinoceros 3D
- Micro-Press MicroStation PowerDraft
- Project Management
- Microsoft Project
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- Craftsman CD Estimator
- Oracle Primavera Systems
- Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
- Development Tools
- Apache Maven
- Microsoft PowerShell
- Verilog
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Salary distribution for Architect: 10th percentile $61K, 25th $76K, median $97K, 75th $123K, 90th $160K Median $61K $76K $97K $123K $160K
Most professionals earn between $76K and $123K
Architect salary percentile distribution Percentile Salary 10th $61K 25th $76K 50th (Median) $97K 75th $123K 90th $160K
Salary by State
Architect salary by state map
Architect salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range District of Columbia $114K $80K - $165K Wyoming $107K $70K - $202K Rhode Island $107K $62K - $123K California $106K $66K - $181K Alaska $105K $76K - $141K Connecticut $105K $72K - $156K South Dakota $102K $67K - $158K Massachusetts $102K $77K - $173K Nevada $102K $61K - $151K Georgia $101K $64K - $205K Hawaii $100K $65K - $132K Maryland $99K $62K - $167K New York $99K $62K - $167K New Hampshire $98K $63K - $122K New Jersey $98K $62K - $162K Missouri $98K $58K - $162K Washington $98K $66K - $128K Delaware $98K $64K - $127K Arizona $97K $64K - $134K Virginia $97K $63K - $157K Ohio $97K $48K - $159K Pennsylvania $96K $56K - $154K Colorado $96K $63K - $162K Minnesota $95K $61K - $139K Alabama $94K $60K - $165K Wisconsin $93K $61K - $127K Kentucky $93K $60K - $129K North Carolina $88K $61K - $141K Iowa $87K $59K - $169K West Virginia $87K $49K - $134K Nebraska $86K $51K - $152K Texas $86K $59K - $139K Tennessee $85K $60K - $137K Arkansas $84K $62K - $120K South Carolina $84K $62K - $136K Oregon $84K $60K - $126K Florida $84K $59K - $143K Oklahoma $83K $52K - $138K Montana $83K $42K - $111K Kansas $83K $56K - $129K Idaho $83K $51K - $132K Michigan $82K $56K - $134K Utah $82K $48K - $144K Vermont $81K $61K - $126K Maine $80K $48K - $128K Illinois $79K $59K - $129K Mississippi $79K $49K - $159K Indiana $79K $49K - $130K North Dakota $78K $33K - $119K Louisiana $77K $49K - $158K New Mexico $77K $42K - $126K
Architect salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range District of Columbia $114K $80K - $165K Wyoming $107K $70K - $202K Rhode Island $107K $62K - $123K California $106K $66K - $181K Alaska $105K $76K - $141K Connecticut $105K $72K - $156K South Dakota $102K $67K - $158K Massachusetts $102K $77K - $173K Nevada $102K $61K - $151K Georgia $101K $64K - $205K Hawaii $100K $65K - $132K Maryland $99K $62K - $167K New York $99K $62K - $167K New Hampshire $98K $63K - $122K New Jersey $98K $62K - $162K Missouri $98K $58K - $162K Washington $98K $66K - $128K Delaware $98K $64K - $127K Arizona $97K $64K - $134K Virginia $97K $63K - $157K Ohio $97K $48K - $159K Pennsylvania $96K $56K - $154K Colorado $96K $63K - $162K Minnesota $95K $61K - $139K Alabama $94K $60K - $165K Wisconsin $93K $61K - $127K Kentucky $93K $60K - $129K North Carolina $88K $61K - $141K Iowa $87K $59K - $169K West Virginia $87K $49K - $134K Nebraska $86K $51K - $152K Texas $86K $59K - $139K Tennessee $85K $60K - $137K Arkansas $84K $62K - $120K South Carolina $84K $62K - $136K Oregon $84K $60K - $126K Florida $84K $59K - $143K Oklahoma $83K $52K - $138K Montana $83K $42K - $111K Kansas $83K $56K - $129K Idaho $83K $51K - $132K Michigan $82K $56K - $134K Utah $82K $48K - $144K Vermont $81K $61K - $126K Maine $80K $48K - $128K Illinois $79K $59K - $129K Mississippi $79K $49K - $159K Indiana $79K $49K - $130K North Dakota $78K $33K - $119K Louisiana $77K $49K - $158K New Mexico $77K $42K - $126K
Lower ($77K-$96K)Middle (~$96K)Higher ($96K-$114K)
Highest Paying States
- 1.District of Columbia$114K
- 2.Wyoming$107K
- 3.Rhode Island$107K
- 4.California$106K
- 5.Alaska$105K
Lowest Paying States
- 1.New Mexico$77K
- 2.Louisiana$77K
- 3.North Dakota$78K
- 4.Indiana$79K
- 5.Mississippi$79K
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
NCARB
Certification
Series of exams required for professional licensure after education and experience.
Recommended
NCARB Certificate
NCARB
Certification
Streamlines licensure reciprocity across U.S. states for registered architects.
LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
U.S. Green Building Council
Certification
Demonstrates expertise in sustainable design and green building practices.
Helpful
Revit Architecture Professional Certification
Autodesk
Certification
Validates proficiency in BIM modeling software essential for modern workflows.
Professional Memberships
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Membership
American Institute of Architects
Membership
Professional network offering continuing education, advocacy, and resources.
Work Environment
Remote Work Hybrid (Remote + Office)
Work Setting Traditional office / indoor
Physical Activity Mostly sedentary
Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
Schedule Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (46)
Strong Match
Strong Match
Strong Match
Good Match
Good Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Architect a good career?
Architect can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $97K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Architect?
The typical education requirement for a Architect is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Architect?
Becoming a Architect typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Architect?
The work-life balance for a Architect is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Architect?
The job outlook for Architect is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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