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Best States for Architects: Highest-paid Architects by State

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    Carter A
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Architects play a critical role in designing and shaping the built environment. They combine artistic vision with technical expertise to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet the needs of clients and users. From residential homes to commercial buildings and public spaces, architects are responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and overseeing the construction of structures that enhance our communities and improve our quality of life.

This article will explore the best states for architects, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid architects are in District of Columbia, where they earn an average of $116,990 per year.
  • The lowest-paid architects are in Alabama, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for architects is $87,471 per year.

1. District of Columbia ($116,990)

District of Columbia Architects in District of Columbia earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in District of Columbia is $116,990, which is +34% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$116,990
10th Percentile$63,540
25th Percentile$79,660
75th Percentile$135,300
90th Percentile$161,150

2. California ($112,210)

California Architects in California earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in California is $112,210, which is +28% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$112,210
10th Percentile$61,270
25th Percentile$78,200
75th Percentile$127,990
90th Percentile$169,130

3. Nevada ($108,220)

Nevada Architects in Nevada earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in Nevada is $108,220, which is +24% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$108,220
10th Percentile$63,760
25th Percentile$78,630
75th Percentile$126,180
90th Percentile$160,030

4. New Jersey ($107,380)

New Jersey Architects in New Jersey earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in New Jersey is $107,380, which is +23% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$107,380
10th Percentile$61,270
25th Percentile$80,420
75th Percentile$133,130
90th Percentile$159,790

5. Massachusetts ($106,540)

Massachusetts Architects in Massachusetts earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in Massachusetts is $106,540, which is +22% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$106,540
10th Percentile$61,670
25th Percentile$80,590
75th Percentile$122,020
90th Percentile$133,970

6. Mississippi ($106,360)

Mississippi Architects in Mississippi earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in Mississippi is $106,360, which is +22% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$106,360
10th Percentile$45,010
25th Percentile$62,550
75th Percentile$122,570
90th Percentile$-3

7. New York ($103,130)

New York Architects in New York earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in New York is $103,130, which is +18% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$103,130
10th Percentile$62,220
25th Percentile$75,470
75th Percentile$121,270
90th Percentile$159,960

8. Connecticut ($102,120)

Connecticut Architects in Connecticut earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in Connecticut is $102,120, which is +17% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$102,120
10th Percentile$61,290
25th Percentile$73,560
75th Percentile$121,100
90th Percentile$148,840

9. Alaska ($101,770)

Alaska Architects in Alaska earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in Alaska is $101,770, which is +16% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$101,770
10th Percentile$75,230
25th Percentile$92,980
75th Percentile$113,180
90th Percentile$120,370

10. Tennessee ($100,850)

Tennessee Architects in Tennessee earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for architects in Tennessee is $100,850, which is +15% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$100,850
10th Percentile$51,160
25th Percentile$60,750
75th Percentile$115,950
90th Percentile$135,460

Conclusion

The highest-paid architects are in District of Columbia, where they earn an average of $116,990 per year. The lowest-paid architects are in Alabama, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for architects is $87,471 per year and there are 107,980 jobs in the field.