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Job outlook for architectural consultants in the United States
Are architectural consultant jobs in demand?
Architectural consultant job and salary trends over time
Architectural consultant jobs over time
Architectural consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,962 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,030 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,068 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,039 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,015 | 0.00% |
Average architectural consultant salary over time
Architectural consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $72,886 | $35.04 | +1.9% |
| 2025 | $71,496 | $34.37 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $70,283 | $33.79 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $69,477 | $33.40 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $68,113 | $32.75 | +1.1% |
Architectural consultant jobs by state
Most common states for architectural consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 397 | 57% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 244 | 23% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 172 | 20% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 213 | 16% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 94 | 15% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 971 | 14% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,081 | 13% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 550 | 13% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 402 | 13% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 175 | 13% |
| 11 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 600 | 12% |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 491 | 12% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 997 | 11% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 597 | 11% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 102 | 10% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,457 | 9% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,215 | 9% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,162 | 9% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 307 | 9% |
| 20 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 276 | 9% |
Most common cities for architectural consultants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Woburn | 1 | 3% | $103,661 |
| 2 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $96,916 |
| 3 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $104,004 |
| 4 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $61,224 |
Architectural Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of architectural consultant experts
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Florida
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Temple University
University of New Mexico
Arizona State University
NCARB
What will help Architectural Consultants increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Dolgas: 1. Pay attention to firm culture and benefits. You will be working long hours and closely with your team, you want to make sure these are people you could see yourself being comfortable around. In particular when it comes to mistakes. Most people take a little bit to adjust to their job. The first few months will be hard and you WILL mess up, that's okay just make sure that you are working for and with people who will help you to make corrections and continue to grow. Along the lines of growth, see what support systems they have for licensure. Testing is a time consuming and expensive process and many firms will help to cover these costs and the required time off, just be sure to ask.
Heath Pickerill PhD
Assistant Teaching ProfessorMissouri University of Science and Technology
Architectural Engineering
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Consultant?
Heath Pickerill PhD: Explore various career choices within the field of architectural engineering during your time in school through internships and/or co-ops, which provide hands-on learning and insight into the countless career opportunities within the field.
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Consultant?
Martin Gold FAIA: The most widespread complaint from people in the field is that it consumes ones attention, requires long hours, and relative to other professions, such as medicine, law, accounting, or engineering, the pay is lower on a per hour basis. On the other hand, architecture is more of an art than other professions and offers opportunities for creative people to have prosperous careers. The famous French architect Le Corbusier would say, architecture is a way of life.
What will help Architectural Consultants increase their earning potential?
Martin Gold FAIA: Entering the field, architecture interns might find themselves in large firms working with project teams typically working with project architects, engineers, and clients to develop designs and translate them into drawings for permitting and construction. In some larger firms, there are expertise teams that work on specific building types such as housing, retail, warehouses, courthouses, supermarkets or restaurants. In smaller firms, they may be working directly with principal architects on projects. In both cases, interns would be attending client meetings, crafting drawings using one of the many computer drafting programs, and perhaps doing materials research and detailing the connections of various building systems. As interns gain experience, and perhaps secure their professional license, they move to become team leaders, partners, or perhaps start their own firms.
What Architectural Consultant 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 Architectural Consultants increase their earning potential?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling software like Revit is already all but a requirement to find professional work. Increasingly, firms are also looking for those who are capable of using visual programming like Grasshopper or Dynamo not only to generate forms but to optimize their workflow. In addition to those, professionals should familiarize themselves with modeling programs including SketchUp and Rhino and visualization platforms like VRay, Enscape, and Twin Motion. Soft skills like being personable and being able to present ideas extemporaneously will never go out of style.
Rashida Ng, RA
Associate Professor of ArchitectureTemple University
Tyler School of Art + Architecture
What skills stand out on Architectural Consultant resumes?
Rashida Ng, RA: Within the profession of architecture, breadth of knowledge is essential. Architectural designers must understand materials, building systems, structures, codes, and regulations, as well as historical and civic issues. Furthermore, they must be able to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and through graphic formats. Applicants with resumes and portfolios that demonstrate competence in these areas will be competitive in the job market.
What soft skills should all Architectural Consultants possess?
Rashida Ng, RA: At its best, the practice of architecture enhances the lives of people and improves the health of communities. To that end, architects must respond to complex and often competing conditions within a single project. As such, effective listening skills, and the ability to collaborate with project teams, consultants, and community members are essential in the field.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Architectural Consultants?
Rashida Ng, RA: Given the climate crisis, architects must design buildings that reduce carbon emissions during construction and post-occupancy. Technical skills, including building information modeling, environmental impact assessments, and post-occupancy evaluations, provide essential information to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. As such, demand for these skills will continue to increase in the years to come.
What skills will help Architectural Consultants earn the most?
Rashida Ng, RA: Architecture needs effective leaders. The most successful architects empower those around them to perform at their best. Those who advance in the field also consistently leverage constraints into possibilities as they inspire others to pursue a shared vision of a place that does not yet exist.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Tamarah Begay: One of the largest trends in the job market given the pandemic is the usage of different online and virtual platforms for interviews and meetings. Not only are these platforms being used to communicate ideas and design but to connect and link professionals to job seekers. This has allowed the industry to have shifted to predominantly working remotely. There has also been a rise and increase in anti-microbial materials, space planning, and incorporating a cleaner HVAC and air quality system into buildings. This can include using hard surface floors and furniture without fabrics to allow for ease of cleaning and to help reduce the spread of germs and incorporating specialty air filters or lights. The industry has also seen an increase in wanting to incorporate outdoor spaces within designs.
How have salaries changed over time for Architectural Consultants?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: I was first hired into an architecture office over 25 years ago, so I can say with some confidence, that salaries have gone up! Many offices, however, are very different than when I graduated. Not all, but many are much more integrated with other disciplines. There is an incredible group of firms in the valley, like Construction Zone, who do both design and construction. Others, like Ryan Companies, are integrated from Development through Facilities Management. By owning more of the entire process, rather than just the design, firms are able to generate more revenue. As a student graduating today, I would be better position to have an architecture degree plus an additional credential - in construction management, real estate development, or even sustainability. In this way, you can leverage your position in an office to be more valuable.
Anonymous Professor
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Architectural Consultants?
Anonymous Professor : With regard to student graduates with the license issue and their potential, it's all about and their ability to think ... my contacts tell me that they want people who can look outside the box ... and be flexible to change ... and make no mistake about it ... the future is all about a willingness to change and be flexible to change. Professional license requirements is a think of the past ... it's all about what you can do now.
What type of skills will young Architectural Consultants 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.