Architect: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Architects earn a national median of $96,690/yr with 3.9% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Design, Building and Construction, Public Safety and Security.

Median Salary

$96,690

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

3.9%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

111,140

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Architect

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Architect candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Reading Comprehension 2 Speaking 3 Critical Thinking 4 Operations Analysis 5 Active Listening 6 Writing 7 Monitoring 8 Complex Problem Solving 9 Judgment and Decision Making 10 Active Learning

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Architect performance, based on verified occupational data.

Design Building and Construction Public Safety and Security Engineering and Technology Computers and Electronics

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Architect roles.

Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Revit McNeel Rhinoceros 3D Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Trimble SketchUp Pro Adobe Acrobat

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 3.9% for Architect roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
111,140
Projected Growth
3.9%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Architect do?
Architects apply expertise in Design, Building and Construction, Public Safety and Security to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Operations Analysis.
How much does a Architect make?
The national median salary for a Architect is $96,690 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Architect a good career in 2026?
Employment for Architect roles is projected to grow 3.9% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 111,140 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Architect?
The typical entry-level education for a Architect is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Architects need?
The most important skills for Architect roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Operations Analysis, Active Listening, Writing, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Active Learning. Key tools and technologies include: Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.