10 answers
Charlize
Student
Florida City, Florida
1
Question
Asked
4172 views
Do architects get paid well?
I mean, I’ll have to go through 10-12 years of education, training and licensing in the future because I’m planning to take Architecture in college. Is it worth it?
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10 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Charlize,
The average base salary for an architect in the US is about $110,000, but this can vary widely depending on your education level, position and experience and location. You can also search for current openings for architects on LinkedIn or Indeed and look up the salary levels and what education and experience is required to get there.
I left some links to more information about the path to become an architect for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/architect-education
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career/architect/salaries
The average base salary for an architect in the US is about $110,000, but this can vary widely depending on your education level, position and experience and location. You can also search for current openings for architects on LinkedIn or Indeed and look up the salary levels and what education and experience is required to get there.
I left some links to more information about the path to become an architect for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Abhishek Bhatt
consultant
3
Answers
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Updated
Abhishek’s Answer
Salaries can start at around $60,000 for entry-level positions and go beyond $100,000 for experienced architects. Senior professionals might earn $150,000 or more. Your pay can grow with experience, and it also varies based on the city, the size of the firm, and the type of projects you work on.
Tamika Hooks (Cooke), MCP
Building Inspector
6
Answers
Fort Washington, Maryland
Updated
Tamika’s Answer
Totally get how that sounds overwhelming, but if architecture is something you’re passionate about, it’s worth it. Yeah, it’s a long road, but you’re building something real (literally). You’ll grow, learn, and open up a lot of doors, not just in design, but in how you see the world. Plus, financially worth it...is subjective so I can't really tell you if it would be worth it to you or not.
Take it one step at a time. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You got this.
Take it one step at a time. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You got this.
Elainne Tavares
Architect and interior designer
4
Answers
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Updated
Elainne’s Answer
That’s a great question — and I get why you’re asking.
Architecture can pay well, but it really depends on the path you take. In the beginning, it’s usually not super high-paying, and yes — the process is long: school, internships, licensing, etc.
But here’s the thing:
If you love design, problem-solving, and creating spaces that impact people’s lives, it can definitely be worth it. And with experience, specialization (like 3D modeling, sustainability, or project management), or even starting your own firm, the income potential grows a lot.
So, yes — it’s a long road, but for many, it’s a rewarding one, both creatively and financially (eventually!). Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons, not just for the money.
Architecture can pay well, but it really depends on the path you take. In the beginning, it’s usually not super high-paying, and yes — the process is long: school, internships, licensing, etc.
But here’s the thing:
If you love design, problem-solving, and creating spaces that impact people’s lives, it can definitely be worth it. And with experience, specialization (like 3D modeling, sustainability, or project management), or even starting your own firm, the income potential grows a lot.
So, yes — it’s a long road, but for many, it’s a rewarding one, both creatively and financially (eventually!). Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons, not just for the money.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Charlize,
Whether being an architect is worth it for you, will be up to you to figure out. Depending on where you work and the qualifications you have the pay range will be $59,000 to $116,000 per year in the US which is very good money if you are able to get to the six figure mark. If you want to do this, I would say go for it because it can be a rewarding career. Best of luck to you!
Whether being an architect is worth it for you, will be up to you to figure out. Depending on where you work and the qualifications you have the pay range will be $59,000 to $116,000 per year in the US which is very good money if you are able to get to the six figure mark. If you want to do this, I would say go for it because it can be a rewarding career. Best of luck to you!
Joseph Bentum
Emergency Room nurse
9
Answers
Cape Coast, Central, Ghana
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Yes,they are pay well. You to master it very well and learn anything concerning architecture . Learn the partical very well. Thank.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Charlize,
It is great to see you are considering numerous things while choosing a major. It is definitely good to know how much architects get paid before getting into it, while also knowing why it is you want to go into it. Out of the majority of design fields, yes, architects do tend to get paid well. It is a lot of work, and just because you study architecture does not mean you are guaranteed anything. During my studies in industrial design, I had a ton of late nights and all nighter's. But the best architecture students would have even more. It depends on how good you want to be and how much you want to make, and how many skills you have gained as well as networking and professional skills.
But before you ask yourself how much, ask why? What makes you want to be an architect? Why do you want to create? If you are just looking for money, something in finances might interest you. But if it is more than that, consider what it is. It is always best to do the job that you would be happy to do each day if money was not a worry. If you are creating things to put into the world to affect possible hundreds of thousands of people, than it should come from a place of passion. Passion is what will get you through your studies as well. If you are not sure, and know that there is something about architecture that interests you, than follow that gut feeling. Make sure to get familiar with other design fields as well that might interest you.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to see you are considering numerous things while choosing a major. It is definitely good to know how much architects get paid before getting into it, while also knowing why it is you want to go into it. Out of the majority of design fields, yes, architects do tend to get paid well. It is a lot of work, and just because you study architecture does not mean you are guaranteed anything. During my studies in industrial design, I had a ton of late nights and all nighter's. But the best architecture students would have even more. It depends on how good you want to be and how much you want to make, and how many skills you have gained as well as networking and professional skills.
But before you ask yourself how much, ask why? What makes you want to be an architect? Why do you want to create? If you are just looking for money, something in finances might interest you. But if it is more than that, consider what it is. It is always best to do the job that you would be happy to do each day if money was not a worry. If you are creating things to put into the world to affect possible hundreds of thousands of people, than it should come from a place of passion. Passion is what will get you through your studies as well. If you are not sure, and know that there is something about architecture that interests you, than follow that gut feeling. Make sure to get familiar with other design fields as well that might interest you.
Best of luck on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Charlize!
In Australia the designer of the Sydney Opera House would have made a princely sum by the time Queen Elizabeth opened it in 1973.
In the USA, the average salary for architects in 2025 is approximately $95,000 annually, with entry-level architects earning between $60,000 and $70,000.
Senior architects can earn upwards of $140,000 to $170,000 in high-demand sectors.
Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco offer higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 for mid-level roles.
The average salary for architects is reported to be around $110,188 per year.
Factors influencing salaries include experience, specialization, and location, with states like California and District of Columbia offering competitive compensation.
Overall, the architecture profession offers a range of salaries depending on experience, location, and specialization.
You can be a medical specialist doctor by devoting slightly longer time to studies!
Psychiatrists may earn USD $500,000 per annum in private practice
JCF
In Australia the designer of the Sydney Opera House would have made a princely sum by the time Queen Elizabeth opened it in 1973.
In the USA, the average salary for architects in 2025 is approximately $95,000 annually, with entry-level architects earning between $60,000 and $70,000.
Senior architects can earn upwards of $140,000 to $170,000 in high-demand sectors.
Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco offer higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 for mid-level roles.
The average salary for architects is reported to be around $110,188 per year.
Factors influencing salaries include experience, specialization, and location, with states like California and District of Columbia offering competitive compensation.
Overall, the architecture profession offers a range of salaries depending on experience, location, and specialization.
You can be a medical specialist doctor by devoting slightly longer time to studies!
Psychiatrists may earn USD $500,000 per annum in private practice
JCF
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Charlize,
That’s such a good and smart question to ask early on. From college to internships, licensure examinations, and professional experience, architecture is certainly a long road, so it's reasonable to question whether it is going to be financially rewarding.
Yes, architects can earn good salaries, but the journey isn't always simple or quick. In the United States, early-career architects (those right after college or still pursuing their licenses) usually start with modest pay, which can range from $50,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on firm size, location, and experience. That figure can increase considerably after obtaining a full license and gaining some experience, particularly if you work in a large city, specialize in a field that is in great demand (such as healthcare architecture or sustainable design), or advance into senior or project management positions. An established architect with ten or more years of expertise can make six figures, and even more if they start their own practice or provide consulting services.
The important thing to remember is that when it comes to a profession in architecture, money shouldn't be the sole determinant of value. Architecture may be incredibly rewarding if you have a passion for design, like solving problems, and are motivated by the thought of creating environments in which people live and work. In a very special way, it blends engineering, creativity, and human-centered thinking. Additionally, the time and effort you invest in the training will feel less like a lengthy, costly journey and more like a struggle worth overcoming if you are genuinely excited about it.
Is it "worth it" then? It can be both mentally and financially fulfilling in the long run if you have a strong interest in architecture and can envision yourself enjoying the profession despite the late hours and deadlines. You're asking all the right questions, so to gain a sense of the field, keep studying, researching, and interacting with actual architects. You have time to try out, and it's obvious that you're already considering your options as a potential designer.
Best wishes!
That’s such a good and smart question to ask early on. From college to internships, licensure examinations, and professional experience, architecture is certainly a long road, so it's reasonable to question whether it is going to be financially rewarding.
Yes, architects can earn good salaries, but the journey isn't always simple or quick. In the United States, early-career architects (those right after college or still pursuing their licenses) usually start with modest pay, which can range from $50,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on firm size, location, and experience. That figure can increase considerably after obtaining a full license and gaining some experience, particularly if you work in a large city, specialize in a field that is in great demand (such as healthcare architecture or sustainable design), or advance into senior or project management positions. An established architect with ten or more years of expertise can make six figures, and even more if they start their own practice or provide consulting services.
The important thing to remember is that when it comes to a profession in architecture, money shouldn't be the sole determinant of value. Architecture may be incredibly rewarding if you have a passion for design, like solving problems, and are motivated by the thought of creating environments in which people live and work. In a very special way, it blends engineering, creativity, and human-centered thinking. Additionally, the time and effort you invest in the training will feel less like a lengthy, costly journey and more like a struggle worth overcoming if you are genuinely excited about it.
Is it "worth it" then? It can be both mentally and financially fulfilling in the long run if you have a strong interest in architecture and can envision yourself enjoying the profession despite the late hours and deadlines. You're asking all the right questions, so to gain a sense of the field, keep studying, researching, and interacting with actual architects. You have time to try out, and it's obvious that you're already considering your options as a potential designer.
Best wishes!
Christopher Adeniji
Architect | Entrepreneur | Technocrat
50
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Charlize,
Yes, architects can get paid well, and I say that from personal experience. I actually ventured into this journey asking the same question 14 years ago, and I can tell you now that it’s worth it if you truly have the passion and dedication for it.
If you’re finishing high school and planning for college, you won’t need to spend 10–12 years before you start earning. Typically, it takes around 8–9 years to become licensed in the U.S., including a BArch (or a pre-professional degree plus a Master’s), followed by internship experience and the ARE exams. However, you can still earn through internships, part-time work, or freelancing even while in school.
While it’s perfectly okay to ask about salary, what matters even more is your commitment to learning. Architecture is a creative and technical profession, and people will only pay for what you can confidently deliver. So focus on learning the right skills, building a solid portfolio, growing your network, and staying optimistic. The rewards, both creative and financial, will come with time and consistency.
Yes, architects can get paid well, and I say that from personal experience. I actually ventured into this journey asking the same question 14 years ago, and I can tell you now that it’s worth it if you truly have the passion and dedication for it.
If you’re finishing high school and planning for college, you won’t need to spend 10–12 years before you start earning. Typically, it takes around 8–9 years to become licensed in the U.S., including a BArch (or a pre-professional degree plus a Master’s), followed by internship experience and the ARE exams. However, you can still earn through internships, part-time work, or freelancing even while in school.
While it’s perfectly okay to ask about salary, what matters even more is your commitment to learning. Architecture is a creative and technical profession, and people will only pay for what you can confidently deliver. So focus on learning the right skills, building a solid portfolio, growing your network, and staying optimistic. The rewards, both creative and financial, will come with time and consistency.