Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for architectural interns in the United States
Architectural internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected architectural internship job growth rate is -3% from 2018-2028.
About -6,700 new jobs for architectural interns are projected over the next decade.
Architectural internship salaries have increased 11% for architectural interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 30,072 architectural interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 57,981 active architectural internship job openings in the US.
The average architectural internship salary is $53,914.
Are architectural internship jobs in demand?
Architectural internship job and salary trends over time
Architectural internship jobs over time
Architectural internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 30,072 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 29,644 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 29,616 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 29,251 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 28,776 | 0.01% |
Average architectural internship salary over time
Architectural internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,914 | $25.92 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $52,827 | $25.40 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $51,495 | $24.76 | +3.9% |
| 2022 | $49,573 | $23.83 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $48,420 | $23.28 | +1.8% |
Architectural internship jobs by state
Most common states for architectural interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 104 | 15% |
| 2 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 332 | 3% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 280 | 3% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 224 | 3% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 157 | 3% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 142 | 3% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 140 | 3% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 84 | 3% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 29 | 3% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 23 | 3% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 899 | 2% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 261 | 2% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 242 | 2% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 179 | 2% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 171 | 2% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 160 | 2% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 146 | 2% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 101 | 2% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 77 | 2% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 11 | 2% |
Most common cities for architectural interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 5 | 18% | $54,567 |
| 2 | Dover | 6 | 16% | $53,008 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 6 | 15% | $60,558 |
| 4 | Hartford | 6 | 5% | $56,690 |
| 5 | Lansing | 6 | 5% | $49,198 |
| 6 | Springfield | 6 | 5% | $57,281 |
| 7 | Topeka | 6 | 5% | $52,937 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 7 | 4% | $49,944 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 7 | 3% | $49,148 |
| 10 | Baton Rouge | 6 | 3% | $46,221 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 10 | 2% | $49,816 |
| 12 | Urban Honolulu | 6 | 2% | $58,215 |
| 13 | Denver | 8 | 1% | $54,821 |
| 14 | Boston | 7 | 1% | $60,603 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 7 | 1% | $45,592 |
| 16 | Sacramento | 6 | 1% | $58,810 |
| 17 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $63,106 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 6 | 0% | $58,570 |
Architectural Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of architectural internship experts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Florida
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
Dunwoody College of Technology
Syracuse University
University of Arizona
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
University at Buffalo – The State University of New York
Seminole State College of Florida
Rochester Institute of Technology
NCARB
Kansas State University
The Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA
Associate Professor, Director Architectural Engineering ProgramWorcester Polytechnic Institute
Architectural Engineering
What Architectural Internship 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
Heath Pickerill PhD
Assistant Teaching ProfessorMissouri University of Science and Technology
Architectural Engineering
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Internship?
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 will help Architectural Interns 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 general advice would you give to an Architectural Internship?
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.
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 Architectural Internship 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Interns?
Paul Strother: We are hopeful that we will not see any long-term impact on our graduates due to the pandemic. That being said, we know that some students have struggled with the added stress of COVID-19, and others with managing online education, leading them to withdraw from school. And we know that students who choose not to finish their degree carry the long-term effects of a disrupted education.
What type of skills will young Architectural Interns need?
Paul Strother: For students earning their A.A.S. in Architectural Drafting & Design, the skills they are currently learning will be critical to their future success. Not only should students master Revit, but they also need the ability to quickly learn other software. They need an understanding of the principles of construction and building systems, and they need to know the role of the architect and its companion players, such as contractors, consultants and owners. Understanding regulatory elements will also continue to be key skill sets. At the core, when they leave Dunwoody, they must be ready to continue learning new systems, software and regulations, and possess the fundamental skill of good communication. This past year has also taught students to be flexible, and exposed them to new ways of communicating and doing business, which are critical skills as they enter today's workforce.
What experience really stands out on Architectural Internship resumes?
Paul Strother: Dunwoody focuses on ensuring our students are learning the skills employers need. Because of that, students are ready for a part-time office job even before they graduate. Dunwoody structures the program and its class schedule in a way that allows for part-time positions, and provides students with the right software and a grasp of the building systems they're working with. We know that a recent graduate with the right skills, along with some experience on their resume, will be hired first after graduation.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Interns?
Kristen DeWolf: The class of 2021 will be in a highly competitive hiring situation. Not only will they have their peers to compete against for jobs, but also those who were laid-off or furloughed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It will be imperative for the graduates to prove they are the 'right' candidate. At the same time, this class has had to jump into flexibility mode to be successful as classes, club meetings, and even internships went virtual. They have already proven they are quick to adapt to the changing nature of work.
What's a good job out of college for Architectural Interns?
Kristen DeWolf: We are encouraging students to keep their options open. Any position that will add soft and/or hard skills to your resume is a great job to consider after college. Showing the value they provide will only help them as they continue to build their careers.
What technical skills for an Architectural Internship stand out to employers?
Kristen DeWolf: This is certainly highly dependent upon the industry the employer is in/type of work being done; however, MSExcel is one of the key skills that I hear over and over again from employers across many industries. Researching the employer/industry and understanding the technologies most used (and learning those programs if you don't already) is a great way for a candidate to stand out. There are plenty of opportunities to learn technical skills on sites such as LinkedIn Learning. When a candidate can show they're paying attention and have learned the skills to hit the ground running, the more valuable they will be as a candidate.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Internship job market given the pandemic?
Teresa Rosano: We've found that the residential market is active, largely because people are spending more time in their homes and using them differently. Re-thinking the assumption that everyone goes to an office five days a week is likely to open possibilities for geographic flexibility.
What Architectural Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Teresa Rosano: Learning software is always a good option, and there are often less expensive community college or on-line tutorials to support that. Or taking one or more transferable community college general education classes to lighten the load in subsequent semesters (make sure they transfer though!)
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Internship?
Teresa Rosano: Try to obtain a wide variety of experiences so you have exposure to many aspects of the profession.
Michael Brazley Ph.D.
Associate Professor of ArchitectureSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
School of Architecture
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Internship 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 skills stand out on Architectural Internship resumes?
James Shields: Many interviews for architecture jobs remain online at the present time, so an ability to communicate via Zoom or Teams is vital. Looking professional on the small screen with an ability to show your work well are skills that can be practiced before an interview. Most architecture employees are currently working online from home, so knowledge of the essential digital architecture programs (like Revit, Bluebeam, Sketchup, et al) is currently very important. On resumes and in portfolios, any experience in the architecture sectors that have remained relatively stable (Housing, Master Planning, Science & Tech, Schools, sustainable infrastructure) should be emphasized. If you have no such experience, read up on current trends in these practice areas online and find some that interest you. Conveying such an interest can go a long way.
What skills stand out on Architectural Internship resumes?
Korydon Smith: Integrative thinking, a core competency in architecture, will become all the more important across sectors. Problem solving amidst complexity, resource constraints, and dynamic factors is what architects do; all businesses will need people that think this way.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Interns to find work opportunities?
Korydon Smith: Architectural work tends to be in population centers. Architectural practice has become globalized, where many firms work in multiple cities in the U.S. and abroad. Growth in mid- and large-sized cities in the U.S. will continue; likewise for Europe and Asia. Latin America and Africa are emergent markets.
Christy Graves
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
School of Engineering, Design and Construction
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Internship 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.
Clyde Eiríkur Hull
Professor of Strategic ManagementRochester Institute of Technology
Saunders College of Business
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Interns to find work opportunities?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: I'm told that the best cities for architects are Atlanta, Chicago, and West Palm Beach (see archinect.com), but look for the construction booms. Given trends, I'd suggest that sustainable architecture, in particular, is due to take off in a major way.
What type of skills will young Architectural Interns 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.
Fred Hasler
John W. & Dorothy M. Burke Architectural Engineering ChairKansas State University
Department Architectural Engineering and Construction Science
What experience really stands out on Architectural Internship 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Interns?
Fred Hasler: Our December 2020 and May 2021 graduates are not getting their offers or accepting entry-level positions near the pace that we've seen in recent years. Many companies have indicated that their timeline for new hires has been pushed back until after the election and after we see some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. In the long term, many companies have indicated that they are now more comfortable with remote work applications, so we will likely see the workplace quite a bit different moving forward. Our program has taken all possible measures to maintain safe, in-person courses to give our students a sense of normalcy, translating to industry participating in on-campus interviews for internships/employment while also offering virtual interview opportunities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Interns?
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.