Landscape Architect
Design parks, campuses and outdoor spaces that work for people and nature.
- $79,870
- 4–5 years + experience
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Architect
Also called: Licensed Architect · Project Architect · Design Architect · Architectural Designer
What architects do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an architect do?
Architects plan and design houses, office buildings and other structures. The median pay is $99,280 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years of school plus internship, and employment is projected to grow +4.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$99,280$47.73/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.3%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year6,900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years of school plus internshipTypical program length
- U.S. jobs124,600Employment, 2025
What architects do
Architects design the places people live and work. They meet clients, develop concepts, create drawings and 3D models, coordinate engineers, make sure designs meet codes and oversee construction.
Architects need a professional degree in architecture, a multi-year internship and a passing score on the licensing exam. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Meet clients
- Develop designs
- Create drawings and models
- Coordinate engineers
- Ensure code compliance
- Prepare construction documents
- Oversee construction
Work environment and schedule
Architects work in studios, at client meetings and on job sites.
Schedule: Full time, with crunches before deadlines.
A day in the life
- Review a client’s program.
- Sketch design options.
- Model in Revit.
- Coordinate with the structural engineer.
See a full day in the life of an architect →
Architect salary
Half of architects earned more than $99,280 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $62,300 for the lowest 10% to $161,420 for the top 10%.
Full architect pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an architect
- Earn a B.Arch or M.Arch
- Complete AXP
- Pass the ARE
- Get licensed
- Advance
A professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch), an internship and a license are required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an architect →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Design
- Revit and CAD
- Building codes
- Construction documents
- 3D modeling
People skills
- Creativity
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
All architect skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative and technical
- Lasting work
- Good pay
- Can run your own firm
Cons
- Long path to license
- Deadline crunches
- Economic cycles
- Client changes
Certifications and licenses
- State architect license: Required.
- ARE: Architect Registration Examination.
- LEED AP: Green building credential.
- NCARB certificate: Multi-state practice.
Career path
- Architectural Designer: Entry.
- Licensed Architect: Licensed.
- Project Architect: Lead projects.
- Principal: Lead firm.
Learn the job before day one
Our Architect training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as develop a building program with a client and check a design against building code, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Civil Engineer
Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on.
- $100,840
- 4 years + PE path
Interior Designer
Design interior spaces that are functional, safe and beautiful.
- $67,190
- 4 years
Architecture Professor
Teach design studios and building science to future architects.
- $96,870
- 6–8 years
Compare: Architect vs. Landscape Architect · Architect vs. Civil Engineer · Architect vs. Interior Designer · Architect vs. Architecture Professor
Architect FAQ
How long does it take to become an architect?
Often 8 to 10 years including school, internship and exams.
Do architects need a license?
Yes, to call yourself an architect.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does an architect make?
The median annual wage for architects was $99,280 ($47.73 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $62,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $161,420.
How long does it take to become an architect?
Most people need about 5–7 years of school plus internship of training. A professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch), an internship and a license are required.
Do you need a degree to be an architect?
Yes. Architects need a professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program, a multi-year internship through AXP, and a passing score on the Architect Registration Examination.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-1011 (Architects, except landscape and naval).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Architects, except landscape and naval (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.