We used the latest data and insights to identify the highest paying architecture jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Do you know what’s great? When you get to work in a field that you love and don’t have to worry about whether you’ll be able to pay the bills.
Unfortunately, for most of us, this is not the case. We spend our days doing things we aren’t passionate about because we have to make money. And if we don’t have a passion for what we do, then it’s even harder to find satisfaction in our jobs.
Luckily, there are plenty of jobs that pay well and are also satisfying. Architecture jobs are one of those places where you can feel like you’re making a difference while earning a good wage at the same time.
So without further ado, here are the top 10 highest-paying architecture jobs:
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Table of Contents
#10. Architectural Drafter
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $37,000 per year
- High Range: $65,000 per year
- Median Pay: $49,944 per year
What do they do?
An architectural drafter is responsible for creating drawings that show the layout and design of buildings. They may also create construction plans, which include specific details about how each part of a project should look and function.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The education requirements for this position are the same as those for an architectural designer. These include a bachelor’s degree in architecture and at least two years of experience working as an architectural designer.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Architectural design firms and construction companies employ architectural drafters. They may also work for architectural or engineering firms specializing in green architecture or sustainable design.
What is the best way to get this job?
If you want to become an architectural drafter, you’ll need to go through a formal training program. These programs can take two years or more, depending on how quickly you learn the basics of drafting and design.
Once you’ve earned your degree, you can begin looking for work as an architectural drafter by checking with local businesses that employ this type of worker.
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What is it like to be an architectural drafter?
#9. Architectural Designer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $44,000 per year
- High Range: $73,000 per year
- Median Pay: $55,720 per year
What do they do?
Architectural designers are responsible for creating drawings and models that represent the design of a building. They may work in-house with architects or on their own.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
According to Zippia, 62% of these designers have a bachelor’s degree. The field of study can include architecture, which is the most common. However, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental design or engineering and specialize in architectural design.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Architectural designers work for architectural firms, general contractors, and businesses that sell building materials. They also work for government agencies and nonprofits.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can start by earning a bachelor’s degree in architectural design. This will give you the education and training needed to work as a designer. From there, you can look for opportunities at architectural firms, government agencies, and building material retailers.
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What is it like to be an architectural designer?
#8. Architectural Technician
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $38,000 per year
- High Range: $83,000 per year
- Median Pay: $55,952 per year
What do they do?
Architectural technicians support architects by performing various tasks related to the design and construction process. They may assist with preparing presentations, collecting data, and surveying the project site.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These architectural technologists typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in architectural technology, but some may have a master’s degree or professional certification.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Architectural technicians work for architects, engineering firms, builders, and government agencies. They’re often employed as part of a team that supports architects in their design work.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get this job is by earning a degree in architectural technology. A bachelor’s degree can help you land entry-level positions as an architectural technician or technologist. In contrast, a master’s degree may open the door to more senior roles within the field.
You can also consider taking courses at community colleges and technical schools, which offer programs specifically designed for aspiring architects.
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What is it like to be an architectural technician?
#7. Urban Planners
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $45,000 per year
- High Range: $89,000 per year
- Median Pay: $59,567 per year
What do they do?
Urban planners are responsible for creating and implementing plans that improve cities. They work closely with architects, engineers, politicians, and other professionals to help create an ideal city environment.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This job requires a combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and communication skills.
Most urban planners have a master’s degree in urban planning or a related field, such as architectural engineering. However, you can also get a job as an urban planner with only a bachelor’s degree and years of experience in the field.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Local governments and state agencies employ urban planners. They also work for private companies that develop land and build projects. Their average salary is $59,567, according to Payscale.
What is the best way to get this job?
There are several ways of getting a job as an urban planner. You can earn a graduate degree in urban planning or a related field and then find employment with local government agencies or private companies that develop the land.
You may start as an intern at a city planning firm or government agency and work your way up.
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#6. Landscape Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $48,000 per year
- High Range: $89,000 per year
- Median Pay: $63,646 per year
What do they do?
Landscape architects are concerned with the natural environment and how it can be used for human benefit. They design outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, streetscapes, and public spaces. These professionals also work on private properties to create functional and attractive outdoor living spaces.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers prefer that prospective landscape architects have a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. Most of these architects have a minimum of two years of experience in the field before applying. However, some companies will hire entry-level landscape architects with a few years of experience.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Landscape architects are employed by private landscape architecture firms, government agencies, and universities. They work with clients to determine their needs and design a solution that meets those needs. The architect salary varies depending on your experience and employer.
What is the best way to get this job?
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can apply for a position as an assistant at a landscape architecture firm or government agency. The best way to gain experience is to get your foot in the door. With some experience under your belt, you can apply for a higher-level position or start your own business.
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What is it like to be a landscape architect?
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#5. Retrofit Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $69,000 per year
- High Range: $110,000 per year
- Median Pay: $76,000 per year
What do they do?
Retrofit architecture is a growing trend. They specialize in making older buildings more energy efficient and sustainable. These architects can also be hired to retrofit commercial or residential properties with solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems, LED lighting, and other green technology.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The education requirements for this job are similar to those of an architect. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience working for an architectural firm.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Retrofit architects work for many clients, including government agencies, building owners and managers, engineering firms, and construction companies. They often work on projects that are large-scale and complex.
What is the best way to get this job?
If you’re interested in becoming a retrofit architect, start by earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Next, gain experience working for an architectural firm or by completing an internship with one. You can also get a job as a green building designer or energy specialist at an engineering firm.
Should you become a retrofit architect?
#4. Commercial Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $61,000 per year
- High Range: $110,500 per year
- Median Pay: $91,785 per year
What do they do?
Commercial architects design and oversee the construction of commercial buildings, like offices, hotels, shopping malls, and other structures used for business. They are responsible for everything from the initial conceptual drawings to overseeing construction.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These architects typically have a bachelor’s degree and experience working for an architectural firm. They may also have a background in construction or engineering.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Commercial architects work for clients such as corporations, real estate developers, and government agencies. A commercial architect may also work in a more specialized role, such as designing healthcare facilities or retail stores.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get a job as a commercial architect by getting an architectural degree and building experience. Once you have a degree, you can work as an entry-level architect and build your way up from there. You may even become one of the highest-paid architectural project managers.
Should you become a commercial architect?
#3. Preservation Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $81,000 per year
- High Range: $195,000 per year
- Median Pay: $124,506 per year
What do they do?
A preservation architect is a type of architect who specializes in historic preservation and restoration. These professionals work with historic buildings and sites, creating plans for restoring them to their original state. They also often work on new construction projects that keep with the theme of the existing architecture.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This job requires at least an undergraduate degree in architecture and experience working with historic buildings.
A preservation architect may also need to be licensed as a professional in some states. This job is ideal for someone who has a passion for history and loves working on projects that have historical value.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Preservation architects work for a variety of employers, including governments and nonprofits. They may also work for construction companies or other professionals in the building industry who need help restoring buildings that have historical significance.
What is the best way to get this job?
To get a job as a preservation architect, you’ll need at least an undergraduate degree in architecture. You may also need to take classes in historic preservation and restoration. Some employers may require that you pass an exam before hiring you.
Should you become a preservation architect?
#2. Industrial Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $84,000 per year
- High Range: $215,000 per year
- Median Pay: $132,542 per year
What do they do?
Industrial architecture is a specialized field of architecture that involves designing buildings for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. These buildings can be traditional factories or modern warehouses that specialize in the distribution of goods or services.
Industrial architects play a critical role in shaping the look and feel of our cities by designing their infrastructure.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These professionals hold at least a bachelor’s degree in architecture and are licensed to practice. They may specialize in one area of industrial architecture or have a more general focus on all types of buildings.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Job opportunities are available for industrial architects in both the public and private sectors. They may work for large corporations, small businesses, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get this job is to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture, which can prepare you for licensure.
Once you’ve earned your degree, you can apply for licensure and begin working as an industrial architect. You may also want to earn a master’s degree in architecture, which is required for the highest-paying positions in this field.
Should you become an industrial architect?
#1. Extreme Architect
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $50,000 per year
- High Range: $542,500 per year
- Median Pay: $142,000 per year
What do they do?
Extreme architects are special architects who design structures that can withstand harsh conditions such as freezing temperatures, high winds, and heavy snowfall. They may work for military bases, power plants, or other industrial facilities where extreme conditions are common.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most extreme architects hold master’s degrees in architecture. These professionals also have experience working as architects in other environments. They also may have studied architecture at a university with a focus on extreme climate design.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Extreme architects work for government agencies, private companies, and the military. These professionals often work in teams with other architects who specialize in other areas, such as residential or commercial design. They are among the highest-paid architects.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to become an extreme architect is to earn a master’s degree in architecture. This will prepare you for the field and allow you to take on more complex architectural projects. Some universities offer courses that focus specifically on extreme climate design.
What is it like to be an extreme architect?
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Conclusion
Architecture is the way to go if you’re looking for a well-paying, fun, and satisfying career.
The best part about being an architect is you design buildings that people will see every day of their lives. That’s a pretty cool job description.
But it’s not all fun and games—you’ll need to be on top of your game to get a job as an architect. So make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start your education.
We hope this guide has provided you with the tools and information you need to start searching for your dream architecture job.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about this article. We’d love to hear from you.
