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Job outlook for architects assistant in the United States
Architect assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected architect assistant job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 3,300 new jobs for architects assistant are projected over the next decade.
Architect assistant salaries have increased 7% for architects assistant in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,670 architects assistant currently employed in the United States.
There are 74,872 active architect assistant job openings in the US.
The average architect assistant salary is $72,661.
Are architect assistant jobs in demand?
Architect assistant job and salary trends over time
Architect assistant jobs over time
Architect assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,670 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,902 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,032 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,933 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,850 | 0.00% |
Average architect assistant salary over time
Architect assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $72,661 | $34.93 | +1.9% |
| 2025 | $71,275 | $34.27 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $70,066 | $33.69 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $69,263 | $33.30 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $67,903 | $32.65 | +1.1% |
Architect assistant jobs by state
Most common states for architects assistant
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 187 | 27% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 145 | 19% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,265 | 18% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 869 | 14% |
| 5 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,577 | 12% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,233 | 12% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,059 | 12% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 895 | 12% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 650 | 12% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 649 | 12% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 432 | 12% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 156 | 12% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 112 | 12% |
| 14 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,140 | 11% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 115 | 11% |
| 16 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 2,769 | 10% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,271 | 10% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 175 | 10% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 624 | 9% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 54 | 9% |
Most common cities for architects assistant
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan City | 1 | 3% | $62,097 |
| 2 | Dearborn | 2 | 2% | $77,005 |
| 3 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $65,042 |
| 4 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $80,835 |
| 5 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $58,588 |
| 6 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $85,691 |
| 7 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $78,044 |
| 8 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $85,083 |
Architect Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of architect assistant experts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Idaho
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
The Catholic University of America
Seminole State College of Florida
NCARB
Kansas State University
College of Charleston
The Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA
Associate Professor, Director Architectural Engineering ProgramWorcester Polytechnic Institute
Architectural Engineering
What Architect Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA: We typically advise our student to pursue internship as soon as the summer after sophomore year so they can get experience in different sub-areas of architectural engineering that would allow them to get a better understanding of the careers they could pursue with their degree. This typically results in an offer for full employment early in senior year – at least for our students
What general advice would you give to an Architect Assistant?
Rebecca Dolgas: 2. The ability to implement VR, AR, and AI capabilities. Clients are coming to expect photorealistic renderings and to be able to walk through their space virtually. Having the skill set to implement these tools will be crucial in keeping clients informed and pleased with your work.
Heath Pickerill PhD
Assistant Teaching ProfessorMissouri University of Science and Technology
Architectural Engineering
What will help Architects Assistant increase their earning potential?
Heath Pickerill PhD: By boosting your resume through participation in professional organizations and design teams within the field, as well as diverse work experience with on-the-job training through internships and co-ops.
What will help Architects Assistant increase their earning potential?
Paul Pettigrew AIA, NCARB, MIT M.Arch ʼ88: Salary isn’t the whole story. Recent graduates need to take into account not only salary, but housing costs, and living expenses. The salary of a young architect will go farther in Chicago than it will in New York, Boston, or San Francisco. Cities with more extensive public transportation systems might offer recent graduates the option of not owning a car which could be a significant cost savings when you factor in car purchase cost, gas, parking, insurance, and maintenance.
What Architect Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: I would advise architecture students to be as flexible as possible. While NAAB accredited schools award 6,000 to 7,000 professional degrees per year, NCARB states that fewer than 3,500 architects reach licensure each year. This suggests that many of those educated as architects are actually finding work in allied subjects. I know of many graduates who are set to become architects who end up becoming real estate professionals, construction professionals, policy-makers, academics, and more. Even for those dead set on architectural practice, these opportunities in adjacent fields can open doors to more design-focused practice.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What experience really stands out on Architect Assistant resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Experience in the areas where one intends to practice. If someone wants to work in hospitality design, an employer will see what kind of experience they have. This is why selecting one's internship location is so important.
Many employers are also looking to see how well the Interior Designer can think outside the box and develop innovative design ideas.
An area of specialized knowledge that will complement the existing design team. Most firms are looking for future leaders.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Architects Assistant in the next 3-5 years?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: COVID-19 has changed the playing field, and future skills will need to include creative ways to use materials and systems for enhanced infection control. This will consist of thinking differently about ventilation systems, space planning, and material specifications.
Randall Randall
Program Head Architecture, ProfessorUniversity of Idaho
Architecture Department
What soft skills should all Architects Assistant possess?
Randall Randall: Communication skills (both disciplinary and interpersonal); strong work ethic; reliability.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Architects Assistant?
Randall Randall: Adept with hand-drawing, model making, CAD, and graphics software (photoshop, illustrator). Experience with some kind of hands-on-making/construction is a plus.
Michael Brazley Ph.D.
Associate Professor of ArchitectureSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
School of Architecture
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architect Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates. The first issue that comes to mind is lack of work for graduates because of lack of architectural commissions. The second point that comes to mind is that design itself will have changed because of covid-19. And third, more people will be working from home.
What Architect Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Architectural Graduates will have to have very strong computer skills; not just in drawing but in writing also. Graduates will need to know the latest software, and in many cases, help to introduce the latest software to their new companies. Students are learning to make 3D digital videos and virtual reality models.
What general advice would you give to an Architect Assistant?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Work experience in an architect's office is best.
Robin Puttock
Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Visiting Assistant ProfessorThe Catholic University of America
School of Architecture and Planning
What Architect Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Robin Puttock: My background is in sustainable civic architecture that supports wellbeing. Therefore, I would highly recommend earning certifications, if possible. I would recommend the LEED Green Associate and/or the WELL AP. In addition, NCARB's AXP hours can be quite flexible and can accommodate experience hours outside of the traditional architecture office.
If a student cannot find employment in an architecture firm working under a licensed architect, students have the option to earn AXP hours working for contractors, landscape architects, engineers, etc. As a bonus, they will receive a well-rounded internship experience. Finally, I would also recommend getting in touch with their local AIA chapters and plugging into continuing education opportunities and conferences. Knowledge and network connections gained in these outlets may prove quite useful in a future interview.
What general advice would you give to an Architect Assistant?
Robin Puttock: In addition to all of the above, I recommend students stay connected with their professors. Most of us have a vast network that we would love to invite you into. Often, an introduction is the pivotal component to a new opportunity. Relationships are key, especially when a recent graduate does not have significant professional experience. In addition, recent graduates should be sure to spend time on crafting their cover letters, their resumes, their work samples, and their portfolios. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward when an opportunity does arise.
Christy Graves
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
School of Engineering, Design and Construction
What general advice would you give to an Architect Assistant?
Christy Graves: I would advise the graduate to learn from everyone they work with within the workplace environment. Even though a degree in architectural engineering technology is valuable, it's impossible to learn everything you need to know to be successful in the industry by taking classes in school and earning a degree. Do not be afraid to ask others for help when you aren't sure about the task you've been assigned to do. In addition, keep up with new technology. Remember, learning should be a lifetime pursuit. It shouldn't end with earning a degree.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architect Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Christy Graves: From what I've seen, I believe job opportunities will continue to be available for architectural technology engineering graduates. While many industries have suffered from layoffs and unemployment during this pandemic, it seems that the built environment is still going strong. I think one of the biggest changes we may see is that once the pandemic is over, many employees are going to work remotely full-time, or the amount of time that was previously spent in the office environment will decrease.
What Architect Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christy Graves: I'd suggest trying to get part-time work to enhance the skills that were taught while going to school. Students should contact the career development center at their respective schools for part-time work opportunities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architects Assistant to find work opportunities?
Michael Armstrong: Like most professions, the availability of architecture jobs fluctuates with the economy.
To get a head start, graduates can contact their local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter to connect with nearby architects and coordinate a firm visit or email their state's architect licensing advisor, a volunteer program NCARB coordinates.
Fred Hasler
John W. & Dorothy M. Burke Architectural Engineering ChairKansas State University
Department Architectural Engineering and Construction Science
What experience really stands out on Architect Assistant resumes?
Fred Hasler: Far and away, the experience that stands out on our students' resumes is their summer internships, where they get to work on structural, mechanical, or electrical buildings systems design. We are fortunate that most of our students have multiple summer internships before they graduate. A recurring theme that we hear from our industry employers is that our faculty's extensive, across-the-board industry experience makes our students highly sought for internships, which places them in a better position to hit the ground running in their careers when they graduate.
How do you envision technology impacting Architects Assistant in the next 5 years?
Fred Hasler: Design firms in the construction industry have certainly seen increases in the application of technology. Our graduates are well prepared, through course content and summer internships, and have adapted well. Technology issues during COVID have added another dimension. Some employers now appear to be hesitant to bring on new graduates because of the uncertainty of accomplishing that critical mentoring process when they have some or all employees operating remotely.
What experience really stands out on Architect Assistant resumes?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.: A substantial and diversified background (such as internships, course work, relevant volunteer activities) in the student's professional field is worth pursuing.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architects Assistant?
Ross Weinreb: Hard to tell right now. It 100% impacted internships during the summer. This will inevitably cause a ripple-effect for most students who will now have a gap in their experience when applying for future internships or job opportunities. The 'good' part is that everyone will be in the same boat, so it shouldn't affect hiring. It'll be about "what did you do during the pandemic to increase your professional experience and/or skills." I don't think this will have an enduring impact on graduates as our industry has had several ups and downs in relation to economic trends.