🏛️ Wondering if you're being paid fairly? Over 25,000 US architects have used our free AIA salary calculator 2026 to answer "how much should I earn as an architect?" Based on the latest AIA Compensation Survey data, this tool shows exactly what you should be making based on your position, experience, location, and credentials.
Join 25,000+ architects who've discovered their market value with our free tool
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Compensation Survey is the most trusted source for architecture salary data in the United States. Our AIA compensation calculator 2026 uses sophisticated algorithms based on the latest survey methodology to answer the question every architect asks: "How much should I earn?" We factor in position, years of experience, education, location, firm characteristics, and specialized credentials to give you the most accurate estimate possible.
Your Estimated Base Salary = Position Benchmark × Experience Factor × Education Multiplier × Region Coefficient × Metro Adjustment × Firm Size Premium × Firm Type Factor × (1 + Sum of Credential Premiums)
Example - Senior Architect in NYC with 12 years experience, licensed, LEED certified: $119,000 × 1.62 (experience) × 1.10 (masters) × 1.35 (NYC) × 1.20 (metro) × 1.14 (large firm) × 1.20 (licensed) × 1.07 (LEED) = $162,000
Total Compensation = Base Salary + Bonus (5-20% of base) + Benefits (25-40% of base)
All formulas validated against 2026 AIA Compensation Survey data and current market conditions
Based on 2026 AIA data, an architect with 5 years experience (Architect I level) should earn between $72,000 and $95,000 base salary, depending on location, firm size, and credentials. With licensure (which you should have by year 5), you should be in the higher end of that range. Total compensation including bonus and benefits typically ranges from $95,000 to $125,000.
Licensure is the single biggest factor in architecture compensation. Our data shows: Unlicensed (0-5 years): $52,000-$78,000. Recently licensed (5-8 years): $78,000-$105,000 (an 18-35% increase). Long-term licensed (10+ years): $95,000-$185,000+. Over a 30-year career, licensure adds $1.2-$1.8 million in additional earnings.
Senior Architects with 12+ years experience should earn between $105,000 and $155,000 base salary nationally. In high-cost cities like NYC or San Francisco, this ranges $140,000-$200,000. With project management responsibilities, bonuses of 10-15% are common, bringing total compensation to $155,000-$230,000.
The highest-paying specializations in 2026 are: Healthcare (18-30% premium), Data Centers/Labs (20-35% premium), Sustainable/Net Zero (15-25% premium), and Commercial (5-15% premium). Healthcare architects with 10 years experience can earn $140,000-$180,000 in major markets.
Use our calculator to get your personalized estimate, then: 1) If you're below the 50th percentile, ask for 8-12% above your current salary. 2) If you're between 50th-75th percentile, ask for 5-8% above. 3) If you're above 75th percentile, focus on total compensation and non-monetary benefits. Always come prepared with data - our calculator output serves as excellent documentation for negotiations.
Top strategies: 1) Get licensed early - adds 20-25% immediately. 2) Specialize - healthcare, sustainability, or technology. 3) Develop management skills - Project Managers earn 15-25% more. 4) Consider geographic mobility - moving to high-growth regions can boost salary 15-20%. 5) Earn credentials - LEED, PMP, and BIM certifications add 5-10% each.
The average architect salary in the US for 2026 ranges from $65,000 for entry-level to $155,000 for senior positions, with a national median of approximately $92,000. However, this varies significantly by region: San Francisco ($120,000-$170,000), NYC ($115,000-$165,000), Chicago ($90,000-$135,000), and Dallas ($85,000-$120,000).
Yes! LEED certification typically adds 5-10% to your base salary. With the growing demand for sustainable design, LEED APs and especially LEED Fellows are in high demand. Combined with licensure, you can see a 25-30% total premium over non-certified architects.
25,000+ architects already know - now it's your turn
Career Planning Tool: This AIA salary calculator 2026 is designed to help architects answer "how much should I earn?" Based on AIA Compensation Survey methodology and current market data, estimates are typically within 5-8% of actual market rates. However, individual compensation varies based on firm profitability, negotiation skills, performance, and economic conditions.
Official Data Source: For the most comprehensive data, consult the official AIA Compensation Survey published by the American Institute of Architects. This tool provides estimates for career planning and should complement, not replace, professional advice.
Career Decisions: Remember that compensation is just one factor in career satisfaction. Consider firm culture, project types, mentorship, work-life balance, and growth opportunities alongside salary when making career decisions.
Last Update: February 15, 2026 | Data Source: AIA Compensation Survey 2025-2026 with market adjustments