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Job outlook for architects in training in the United States
Are architect in training jobs in demand?
Architect in training job and salary trends over time
Architect in training jobs over time
Architect in training job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 338 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 350 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 357 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 352 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 348 | 0.00% |
Average architect in training salary over time
Architect in training salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $71,111 | $34.19 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $69,754 | $33.54 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $68,571 | $32.97 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $67,785 | $32.59 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $66,455 | $31.95 | +1.1% |
Architect in training jobs by state
Most common states for architects in training
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 268 | 39% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 205 | 27% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 273 | 20% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,125 | 19% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,050 | 19% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 200 | 19% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 103 | 18% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,122 | 17% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,803 | 17% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 223 | 17% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 162 | 17% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,634 | 16% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 910 | 16% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 307 | 16% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,119 | 15% |
| 16 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 923 | 15% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 544 | 15% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 454 | 15% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 252 | 15% |
| 20 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 4,013 | 14% |
Architect In Training job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of architect in training experts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Oregon
NCARB
The Pennsylvania State University
What general advice would you give to an Architect In Training?
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.
What will help Architects In Training 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 In Training 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.
What will help Architects In Training increase their earning potential?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: [tough question, in academia, we're prepare students to enter the profession with skills/knowledge, but really don't address the issue of how architects are paid when they start out in their careers. Perhaps first gather information such as cost of living data for the locations/cities of interest; find range of salaries for entry-level architects; talk with alums in the areas about benefits. To maximize salary potential, portfolio, cover letter, and range of experiences are key. As mentioned above, preparation to help firms to advance their mission, and be able to offer ways to help the firm get to important aspects beyond billable hours. Ask questions during the interview process about advancement and benefits.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architects In Training 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.
What type of skills will young Architects In Training need?
Michael Armstrong: In most states, students interested in becoming architects will need to graduate from a NAAB-accredited program, earn experience through the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), and pass the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). These programs ensure young graduates earn knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas—like working with clients, determining project schedules, reviewing building codes and regulations, and establishing sustainability goals—and set them up for a successful career in architecture. For specific state requirements, explore our Licensing Requirements Tool.
We also encourage graduates, and all who are considering the licensed practice as a career, to explore our newly-launched Destination Architect site, an interactive guide with video tutorials and useful tips.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architects In Training?
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.