Find a Job You Really Want In
The 10 Best States for Architects in 2026
As the architectural landscape evolves, so too do the opportunities for architects across the United States. While architects have traditionally been concentrated in major urban centers, the rise of remote work and changing economic conditions have diversified these opportunities. In 2026, architects can thrive in various states that offer competitive salaries, job availability, and favorable working conditions.
At Zippia, we analyzed the latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify the best states for architects in terms of job prospects and salaries. Our goal is to highlight the regions where architects can maximize their career potential.
Here are the top ten states for architects in 2026:
This list showcases the states where architects are well-compensated and can find ample job opportunities. The architectural profession remains dynamic, and the demand for innovative designs continues to grow.
How We Determined the Best States for Architects
At Zippia, we engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds seeking employment. Our research indicates that the primary factors architects consider in job selection include:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for architects, we analyzed job data and salaries using criteria from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A measure of job concentration in a state.
- Average annual salary.
- Entry-level salary.
- Experienced professional salary.
We adjusted salary figures according to the cost of living, ensuring a fair comparison across different states. For example, while the average salary for architects in California may be higher, the cost of living significantly impacts purchasing power compared to states like Illinois.
After ranking each state based on these criteria, we calculated an overall Job Score, with the lowest score indicating the best state for architects.
1. Alabama
Total Jobs: 1,210
Average Annual Salary: $91,380
Average Entry-Level Salary: $51,300
Average Experienced Salary: $142,700
Location Quotient: 0.86
2. Texas
Total Jobs: 8,560
Average Annual Salary: $99,580
Average Entry-Level Salary: $47,390
Average Experienced Salary: $158,230
Location Quotient: 0.98
3. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 650
Average Annual Salary: $86,410
Average Entry-Level Salary: $50,030
Average Experienced Salary: $131,730
Location Quotient: 0.92
4. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 840
Average Annual Salary: $86,270
Average Entry-Level Salary: $52,910
Average Experienced Salary: $126,550
Location Quotient: 0.73
5. Arizona
Total Jobs: 1,160
Average Annual Salary: $95,220
Average Entry-Level Salary: $60,560
Average Experienced Salary: $149,270
Location Quotient: 0.58
6. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 2,330
Average Annual Salary: $84,980
Average Entry-Level Salary: $51,570
Average Experienced Salary: $125,570
Location Quotient: 0.74
7. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 1,850
Average Annual Salary: $88,020
Average Entry-Level Salary: $56,130
Average Experienced Salary: $129,450
Location Quotient: 0.9
8. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 100
Average Annual Salary: $85,400
Average Entry-Level Salary: $55,020
Average Experienced Salary: $126,150
Location Quotient: 0.54
9. West Virginia
Total Jobs: 170
Average Annual Salary: $89,200
Average Entry-Level Salary: $53,800
Average Experienced Salary: $135,580
Location Quotient: 0.33
10. Kansas
Total Jobs: 940
Average Annual Salary: $77,950
Average Entry-Level Salary: $41,230
Average Experienced Salary: $128,710
Location Quotient: 0.94
Conclusion: The Best States for Architects
If you’re considering a career as an architect, these ten states offer the best combination of salary potential, job openings, and opportunities for career growth. As the architectural field continues to evolve, these regions stand out as ideal locations for aspiring and experienced architects alike.
For additional insights, you can explore the states less favorable for architects:
Detailed List of the Best States for Architects
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama | $91,380 |
| 2 | Texas | $99,580 |
| 3 | Nebraska | $86,410 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | $86,270 |
| 5 | Arizona | $95,220 |
| 6 | North Carolina | $84,980 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $88,020 |
| 8 | Wyoming | $85,400 |
| 9 | West Virginia | $89,200 |
| 10 | Kansas | $77,950 |
| 11 | Tennessee | $80,750 |
| 12 | Ohio | $82,640 |
| 13 | Indiana | $79,760 |
| 14 | New York | $109,520 |
| 15 | Virginia | $85,380 |
| 16 | Missouri | $76,580 |
| 17 | South Carolina | $85,610 |
| 18 | Illinois | $79,520 |
| 19 | Mississippi | $72,780 |
| 20 | Washington | $79,020 |
| 21 | Michigan | $75,100 |
| 22 | Florida | $82,710 |
| 23 | Massachusetts | $103,920 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | $79,440 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $78,110 |
| 26 | Iowa | $76,290 |
| 27 | Delaware | $83,410 |
| 28 | Louisiana | $75,710 |
| 29 | Colorado | $73,090 |
| 30 | Arkansas | $69,470 |
| 31 | Kentucky | $73,580 |
| 32 | Oregon | $84,430 |
| 33 | New Mexico | $72,740 |
| 34 | Idaho | $71,190 |
| 35 | New Hampshire | $89,260 |
| 36 | North Dakota | $79,570 |
| 37 | Alaska | $93,390 |
| 38 | Maryland | $87,790 |
| 39 | California | $95,060 |
| 40 | Utah | $67,540 |
| 41 | South Dakota | $80,310 |
| 42 | Vermont | $71,770 |
| 43 | New Jersey | $83,590 |
| 44 | Hawaii | $75,410 |
| 45 | Maine | $70,470 |
| 46 | Connecticut | $83,530 |
| 47 | Nevada | $74,620 |
| 48 | Rhode Island | $79,120 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
