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Job outlook for lead architects in the United States
Lead architect job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected lead architect job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 284,100 new jobs for lead architects are projected over the next decade.
Lead architect salaries have increased 10% for lead architects in the last 5 years.
There are over 238,681 lead architects currently employed in the United States.
There are 266,541 active lead architect job openings in the US.
The average lead architect salary is $104,687.
Are lead architect jobs in demand?
Lead architect job and salary trends over time
Lead architect jobs over time
Lead architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 238,681 | 0.07% |
| 2020 | 260,688 | 0.08% |
| 2019 | 194,157 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 148,097 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 142,457 | 0.04% |
Average lead architect salary over time
Lead architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $104,688 | $50.33 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $101,238 | $48.67 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $98,946 | $47.57 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $97,017 | $46.64 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $94,825 | $45.59 | +1.5% |
Lead architect jobs by state
Most common states for lead architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 998 | 144% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 458 | 43% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 242 | 39% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,237 | 38% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,624 | 38% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 400 | 38% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,510 | 36% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 325 | 34% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 253 | 33% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 984 | 32% |
| 11 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 550 | 32% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 239 | 32% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,906 | 31% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 589 | 31% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 394 | 29% |
| 16 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,089 | 28% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 247 | 28% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,328 | 26% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,448 | 26% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 148 | 26% |
Most common cities for lead architects
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 12 | 32% | $95,090 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 10 | 25% | $103,200 |
| 3 | Lansing | 9 | 8% | $91,173 |
| 4 | Springfield | 8 | 7% | $94,543 |
| 5 | Hartford | 7 | 6% | $102,666 |
| 6 | Topeka | 7 | 6% | $86,317 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 10 | 5% | $91,827 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 9 | 5% | $86,783 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 18 | 4% | $96,894 |
| 10 | Boston | 17 | 3% | $99,849 |
| 11 | Urban Honolulu | 10 | 3% | $83,891 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 7 | 3% | $94,004 |
| 13 | Montgomery | 7 | 3% | $88,385 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 14 | 2% | $96,509 |
| 15 | Sacramento | 8 | 2% | $125,791 |
| 16 | Tampa | 8 | 2% | $86,059 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 11 | 1% | $93,780 |
| 18 | Washington | 9 | 1% | $116,312 |
| 19 | Chicago | 9 | 0% | $95,976 |
Lead Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of lead architect experts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Florida
California State University - Sacramento
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Seminole State College of Florida
SUNY at Buffalo
Northwestern University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Texas A&M University
Nova Southeastern University
University of Oregon
Mount St. Joseph University
University of Phoenix - Maryland Campus
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
What Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 1. This is a pretty broad question. CS degree graduates can engage in different tasks and responsibilities based on the nature of their profession. Examples include 1) software engineering, in which the individual's efforts are toward leading or contributing to software development projects, 2) IT management, where the individual mainly oversees technology strategies and their implementation, 3) cybersecurity, where the individual's responsibilities are associated with the protection of systems and data from cyber threats, and 4) data and AI engineering, where the individual works on machine learning applications and analyze and derive insights from large datasets.
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA
Associate Professor, Director Architectural Engineering ProgramWorcester Polytechnic Institute
Architectural Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA: Employers always stress the importance of students knowing the fundamentals of engineering and the integration of engineering fundamentals with architectural design. Our program is quite unique in this respect as we are the only degree program in the country where students can earn an architectural engineering degree that is ABET accredited (they can get their PE) - and then also can gain their NAAB accredited architecture degree with one additional year (allowing them to also become architects). Knowledge of building information modeling is required, and I would think that AI at some point will also play a role when combined with advanced surveying technologies.
What Lead Architect 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 will help Lead Architects increase their earning potential?
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA: Starting salary is something they can/should consider – but it is often better for recent graduates to understand the growth potential with a particular employer/firm and understand what other benefits exist. We tell them to ask questions about the typical promotion steps within an organization, for example. Students that have taken the FE exam should highlight that – and ask questions in the interview about what mentoring there is within a firm to take the PE exam – it shows a positive level of professional attitude. Our students work for architects, engineering consultancy, contractors, etc. I think Bankrate listed AE as the most rewarding degree a few years ago – and one of the items listed was the diversity of office and fieldwork that makes employment enjoyable (i.e. not stuck in their office all week)
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
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 Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Dolgas: 3. Be aware of your strengths and don't be afraid to negotiate. If you have multi-faceted skillsets make sure they are known. For example if you do well maintaining your own social media make a point that you would like to assist with marketing in a smaller firm. A great Marywood specific example is how closely interiors and architecture learn together. Being able to have a collaborative spirit and bring both disciplines together can be invaluable. If you can show your interdisciplinary skill set, it will make you more valuable and thus able to negotiate for a better salary.
What will help Lead Architects 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 a Lead Architect?
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 Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Heath Pickerill PhD: Being competent in CAD software, especially 3D modeling such as Revit, as well as demonstrating strong project management skills, which can be honed through leadership opportunities in professional organizations and design teams. Graduates should also understand the ethical implications and limitations of AI software in the production of written documents and basic design solutions.
What will help Lead Architects 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 a Lead Architect?
Paul Pettigrew AIA, NCARB, MIT M.Arch ʼ88: I think it’s a great time to be an architect. When numbers like close to 40% of the earth’s global carbon emissions are related to buildings being torn down, buildings being built, and operation of buildings, there’s no doubt that architects will be key players in future efforts to sustain the long term health of planet earth.
What Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Paul Pettigrew AIA, NCARB, MIT M.Arch ʼ88: Adaptability, the ability and desire to constantly learn new tools, techniques, business practices, and construction technologies/methodologies. The architecture profession has changed dramatically since the introduction of computers into practice, and all indications are that architectural practice will continue to change as computers, fabrication machines that talk to and work with computers, and technologies related to issues of sustainability, continue to adapt to the economics, business, practice, and significance of the architecture profession.
What will help Lead Architects 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 general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
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 Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martin Gold FAIA: The economy is historically dynamic and the field of architecture generally follows the economy so there are highs and lows. That said, there is always work in urban planning, historic preservation, adaptive reuse of buildings, and the need for new buildings. At the time of this writing, there is a trend to transform office buildings into residential uses as people work remotely much more often. This would be akin to the transformation of warehouse spaces into residential lofts in urban areas around the US in the 1990’s as manufacturing and shipping ports moved out of urban areas of the city. In the foreseeable future, there will always be a need for architects and associated professions to continue to improve on the constructed world in which we live.
What will help Lead Architects 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 general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Kin Chung Kwan: Computer science is rapidly growing, with new technologies emerging daily. The desired skill set can vary from year to year. We should always stay updated on the latest global developments and prepare to learn something new. Keeping your skills up-to-date and aligning them with the current needs of employers and target customers is crucial to maximizing salary potential.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: The path to salary maximization often seems to be a willingness to advocate on one's own behalf and be willing to move firms if necessary. Early career professionals may want to also think about where they are building their expertise. It is likely that architects who work on healthcare or multifamily housing are more likely to have abundant work in the future than those who work on places of religious worship or primary schools. The region in which one chooses to work and make connections can also be important. It never hurts to have a 'name brand' firm on one's resume early in one's career.
What Lead Architect 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 Lead Architects 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.
What will help Lead Architects increase their earning potential?
Holger Findling: Technologies are changing very fast, and you must change with it. Don't be rigid. AI is going to increase in the next five years, and the demand for programmers will be high. You would have to take courses studying AI concepts. Bio-Medical fields and Biometrics will be expanding in capabilities and these fields will need a lot of programmers. Take some additional courses, for example Biology and Chemistry.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Adaptability will always be an important skill. There will be software improvements and changes that you need to stay aware of and technology that will benefit both the design and construction sides of the industry. Communication will remain an important part of the way we work together in teams.
What Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Architecture licensure will help maximize salary potential, as well as pursuing other certifications such as LEED, CPHC, WELL, etc. Be your own advocate and request regular/annual reviews that allow you to highlight accomplishments and value you bring to your employer. If specialization appeals to you, there are opportunities to market yourself as an expert in a specific subject area.
What will help Lead Architects increase their earning potential?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Continue being a student throughout your career since learning never stops, especially in architecture where the knowledge is vast and first-hand experience is valuable. There are many facets to the architecture profession, when first graduating try to explore different roles to see what interests you and challenges you best.
David Ostrowski
Northwestern University
Information Science/Studies
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
David Ostrowski: Create value in your position, become an expert in a few key areas to maximize value, concentrate on deep skill sets within a specific application domain, innovate and push the limits of technology.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Dale Dzielski MBA, CMA®, PMP®, SAFe® 4 Agilist: Be prepared for a lifelong learning experience; it just begins now. Be confident in what you know but open to learn more because you will.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez: It is important for recent graduates to recognize that Architecture is no longer limited to the physical realm, as transformative technologies are providing interesting career opportunities in the digital realm as well. This rapidly evolving context offers many opportunities and new directions for the discipline and remaining (or becoming!) current in new developments in computing power, digital visuals, manufacturing technologies, and robotics, are ways in which a recent graduate can secure a good paying job.
What Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez: Globally, there is significant demand for architects who are facile in the use of transformative technologies that support designers to generate and evaluate innovative ideas to provide solutions in a rapidly changing environment. Needless to say, being extremely competent in the many applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Extended Reality (XR), Generative Design, and Sustainability, will make new graduates effective at a time in which the profession and the world are rapidly transforming.
What will help Lead Architects increase their earning potential?
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez: In addition to mastering the skills that will become more important in the next 3-5 years, committing to work long hours and becoming credentialed in LEED, WELL, and/or other building performance standards is a way to quickly increase your worth for a firm. However, in the long run, working towards becoming a licensed architect is the best way to advance in the profession.
What Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aakash Tyagi: Treat your career as a marathon, not a sprint. Early years in one's career are best spent understanding the technology at its core and what drives innovation. You'll be a great developer and a great leader if your technical fundamentals are strong. This has never been so true than now in the age of generative AI and LLM where creativity and depth of understanding is what will set you apart from others (human and machine).
What will help Lead Architects increase their earning potential?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As we look toward the future of careers in Computer Applications, several skills stand out for their growing importance. These skills revolve around specific technologies that are expected to continue to grow and evolve. Technologies related to Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Science are quickly evolving and being applied across the technology sector. Cloud Computing: Given the widespread adoption of Cloud services, Cloud computing expertise is indispensable. Understanding how to leverage platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is crucial to developing scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs. Artificial Intelligence: AI and Machine Learning are transforming the world. Skills in these areas to solve real-world problems will be even more critical in the future. Cybersecurity: Digital threats are becoming more sophisticated. Safeguarding data, networks, and systems will require encryption, intrusion detection, development, and regulation skills. Data Science: Skills in Data Science will be increasingly sought after as businesses embrace data-driven decision-making. Extracting meaningful insights from extensive datasets and effectively communicating these findings will be essential. Soft skills: Finally, soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication cannot be overlooked. Adapting, communicating, and leading will be essential for success.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: Diversify your experiences (and expectations); gain knowledge in a variety of different areas and certifications. Curate your portfolio to show a range of the kinds of work that you're able to offer. Get out of the comfort zone of doing only what you know "how to do" and challenge with incremental bits of knowledge.
What Lead Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: Because of the urgent need to address climate challenges in energy, materials, water, ecosystems, fire and so on, one person cannot do it all. Gone are the days of the "starchitect". What's most important is learning ways of collaboration, communicating, and team building; energy modeling at small and large holistic scales; life cycle accounting for materials.
What will help Lead Architects 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.
MARLA KRAMER
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and CommunicationsWhat general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
MARLA KRAMER: Do the necessary course work from a reputed institution, where you can get the necessary hands-on experience under the tutelage of an established expert. Create a portfolio of your work on GitHub so that you can share your projects with potential employees. It is more important to demonstrate your skills through code, than it is to provide a list of classes that you have taken. Certification courses are expensive, but getting an accredited certificate in Mobile Application Development or any of the rapidly growing fields is always an advantage. The internet has a lot of uncurated, self-published, and incorrect information, especially when it comes to computer science. It is important that you pick your sources wisely as you build your skills.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Rebecca Allen: AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
Anmol Dash
Adjunct Professor in Information Systems + Software Engineer (My full time job)University of Phoenix - Maryland Campus
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to a Lead Architect?
Anmol Dash: In the next 3-5 Years, I truly see thought leadership being a valuable Asset. What I mean by this is that as AI comes and commoditizes certain subsets of different industries, the thoughts, and ideation is going to be the most valuable. Additionally, having a basic understanding of AI, will be crucial. Tech Stack wise, I see Javascript really growing and becoming a super necessary language to learn. Also being able to articulate and speak publicly are some great soft skills to have.
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 skills stand out on Lead Architect resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Having an area of expertise beyond the common skills that most graduates possess. Many firms are looking for those promotable employees, and these folks often speak with a high degree of intelligence about one or more aspects of design. I see that those with added skills in Health, Education, Sustainability, Technology, etc., often lead those departments in the firm, which becomes their mobility path to executive management. It's all about having something different or better than your competitors.
What soft skills should all Lead Architects possess?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Flexibility in thinking and the ability to understand other people's perspectives. Basically, to get along as a team while keeping the negativity to a minimum.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Lead Architects?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Revit and CAD. Especially as these relate to performative design. What I mean by performative design are technologically feature-rich buildings to respond to atmospheric and environmental conditions that support human occupation and productivity.
What skills will help Lead Architects earn the most?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: I don't think it's a skill as much as a specialization. Suppose a student wants to work in health design (for example). In that case, they will need to know the language that health practitioners use, or they risk saying something incorrectly and losing credibility. All sectors of society have words and acronyms that they use in everyday communication. If an architect, landscape architect, or interior designer has a specialization and can carry on a thoughtful conversation with the decision-makers of that industry (commercial, education, health, etc.), they will be valuable to that firm. The key is having a strong baseline knowledge in the area that a building type is being designed or redesigned for.