All About Architects
Position Description Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
A Day in the Life of an Architect
- Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
- Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.
- Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.
- Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentation to generate new work opportunities.
- Design or plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.
- Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
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Qualities of an Architect
These are the skills Architects say are the most useful in their careers:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Architect Jobs
- Design Architect
- Building Architectural Designer
- Principal, Architectural Firm
- School Plant Consultant
- Architectural Project Manager
Architect Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 128,800 jobs in the United States for Architect. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,400 new jobs for Architect by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,700 positions for Architect per year.

The states with the most job growth for Architect are Colorado, Utah, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Mississippi, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Architect Salary
The typical yearly salary for Architects is somewhere between $48,020 and $138,120.

Architects who work in Massachusetts, Alaska, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Architects make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $91,380 |
Alaska | $93,390 |
Arizona | $95,220 |
Arkansas | $69,470 |
California | $95,060 |
Colorado | $73,090 |
Connecticut | $83,530 |
Delaware | $83,410 |
District of Columbia | $100,770 |
Florida | $82,710 |
Hawaii | $75,410 |
Idaho | $71,190 |
Illinois | $79,520 |
Indiana | $79,760 |
Iowa | $76,290 |
Kansas | $77,950 |
Kentucky | $73,580 |
Louisiana | $75,710 |
Maine | $70,470 |
Maryland | $87,790 |
Massachusetts | $103,920 |
Michigan | $75,100 |
Minnesota | $88,020 |
Mississippi | $72,780 |
Missouri | $76,580 |
Nebraska | $86,410 |
Nevada | $74,620 |
New Hampshire | $89,260 |
New Jersey | $83,590 |
New Mexico | $72,740 |
New York | $109,520 |
North Carolina | $84,980 |
North Dakota | $79,570 |
Ohio | $82,640 |
Oklahoma | $86,270 |
Oregon | $84,430 |
Pennsylvania | $79,440 |
Rhode Island | $79,120 |
South Carolina | $85,610 |
South Dakota | $80,310 |
Tennessee | $80,750 |
Texas | $99,580 |
Utah | $67,540 |
Vermont | $71,770 |
Virginia | $85,380 |
Washington | $79,020 |
West Virginia | $89,200 |
Wisconsin | $78,110 |
Wyoming | $85,400 |
What Tools & Technology do Architects Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Architects may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Bentley MicroStation
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
How do I Become an Architect?
Individuals working as an Architect have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Architect?

Who Employs Architects?

The table below shows the approximate number of Architects employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being an Architect may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Danichou via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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