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Job outlook for senior enterprise architects in the United States
Senior enterprise architect job and salary trends over time
Senior enterprise architect jobs over time
Senior enterprise architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 57,948 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 60,665 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 61,803 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 9,598 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,949 | 0.00% |
Average senior enterprise architect salary over time
Senior enterprise architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $129,751 | $62.38 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $125,475 | $60.32 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $122,635 | $58.96 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $120,244 | $57.81 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $117,527 | $56.50 | +1.5% |
Senior enterprise architect jobs by state
Most common states for senior enterprise architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 694 | 100% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 225 | 21% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,645 | 19% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,326 | 19% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 777 | 19% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 136 | 18% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 524 | 17% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 108 | 17% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 939 | 16% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,856 | 14% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 776 | 14% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 502 | 14% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 138 | 14% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,396 | 13% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 986 | 13% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 172 | 13% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 678 | 12% |
| 18 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,531 | 11% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 995 | 11% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 195 | 11% |
Most common cities for senior enterprise architects
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 2 | 7% | $124,133 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $138,123 |
| 3 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $126,894 |
| 4 | Indian Trail | 2 | 5% | $124,974 |
| 5 | Euless | 2 | 4% | $124,226 |
| 6 | Grapevine | 2 | 4% | $124,174 |
| 7 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $128,383 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $123,687 |
| 9 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $128,752 |
| 10 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $132,936 |
| 11 | Arlington | 2 | 1% | $124,283 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $110,594 |
| 13 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $115,864 |
| 14 | Fort Worth | 3 | 0% | $124,311 |
| 15 | Charlotte | 2 | 0% | $124,958 |
| 16 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $123,611 |
Senior Enterprise Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior enterprise architect experts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Florida
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
SUNY at Buffalo
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of New Mexico
Arizona State University
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Seminole State College of Florida
Rochester Institute of Technology
College of Charleston
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 Senior Enterprise 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 general advice would you give to a Senior Enterprise 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 Senior Enterprise 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 general advice would you give to a Senior Enterprise 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 will help Senior Enterprise 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 Senior Enterprise 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 Senior Enterprise 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 Senior Enterprise 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 general advice would you give to a Senior Enterprise 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.
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 Senior Enterprise 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 Senior Enterprise 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 Senior Enterprise 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 Senior Enterprise 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.
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 Senior Enterprise Architect 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.
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Enterprise Architects?
Tamarah Begay: Salaries have changed a lot over the time I have spent in the Architectural Field. Minority women are now getting the recognition that they deserve in a field that has predominantly been ruled by non-minority males, and although it still is not equal, we have gained admission to higher compensation than we used to receive.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Enterprise Architect 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.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Enterprise Architects?
Tamarah Begay: Certifications and licenses that can be locally, nationally, and universally applicable are most impactful for a future job prospect to have. Being a licensed Architect and having or being LEED certified is of great impact for job prospects on all levels. Staying up to date on continuing education courses and staying knowledgeable about new products or methods should be a habitual update to one's personal knowledge bank. Bringing versatility and diversity to the work place in any form, whether it is through licenses or courses, is beneficial and can have a great impact.
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Enterprise Architects?
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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Enterprise Architect job market given the pandemic?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: The pandemic has had an interesting effect. At first, everyone froze and thought all work was going to stop. We are a year in and many firms are as busy as they were a year ago. Still, it is different for different markets, and there is some caution about projects scheduled a year from now. That said, money is relatively cheap at the moment and that is good for construction.
What technical skills for a Senior Enterprise Architect stand out to employers?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: Here is a baseline of technical skills, usually related to the software used in the office, but software changes. I was in a conversation recently with Christiana Moss, who is a partner at Studio Ma, and she had a great quote. She needed recent graduates "who could be useful." This meant being able to think on their own, to ask questions, and to be able to take on a project without the need to be told how to do everything. We don't expect graduates to know everything they need to know to build a building, but they should be aware of what they don't know and be able to ask good questions, work collaboratively, and also independently.
Anonymous Professor
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Enterprise Architects?
Anonymous Professor : With regard to money and employment compensation ... those who can be willing to try new things and move with the flow will do well ... very well. Those who cannot, it's McDonald's and minimum wage ...
A footnote: ... the people I contact do not care about who you are, what you are, or how you are. So things like pronouns, and victimization, and excuses, and hanging on to reasons for failure will not cut it in the workplace of the future ... learn ... grow ... and you will have success ...
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Enterprise Architect job market given the pandemic?
Anonymous Professor : With regards to trends during the pandamic ... I think that there are huge opportunities to be had, if the graduates have their acts together. I network with my former students who are now partners or upper managers in companies. The era of Monday morning meetings in conference rooms is over. In the future, networking with colleagues and clients will be done via some distance system. So the Zoom classes taken today will prepare students for the boardroom tomorrow. Quit whinning and see the opportinities waiting the be catured ... they are there ... the challenges with distance learning will separate the 'wheat from the chaf' ... those who can adapt to a new way of thinking will survive ... those who cannot will be quickly sent to the scrap heap. But, graduates cannot act like young spoiled people. They need to have skills and abilities ... AND ... people skills ... big time ...
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Enterprise Architects?
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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Enterprise Architect job market given the pandemic?
James Shields: In mid-to-late 2020, some 70% of architecture firms saw a decline in billings due to Covid-19 impacts. Some architecture firms were hit worse than others; firms that designed office buildings, hospitality projects and cultural buildings fared poorly, and in general have not been hiring. Health care organizations and the architecture firms that service them have also been hit, although most firms have helped hospitals evaluate or design alternative Covid-care facilities.
Firms that design housing projects remained more stable and have continued to at least interview some job candidates. There has also been an increase in demand for master planning services of all kinds, as communities and businesses want to be prepared for the end of the pandemic and a return to more normal economic activity with a plan for expansion in place. Firms that design Science & Technology buildings, like university lab, science and health care teaching buildings, have also seen their workload remain stable and be less affected by the pandemic as many US States have continued to fund such projects.
School design firms have also done well, as many local districts have been able to pass referendums for new projects during the crisis, keeping their architects busy. There has also been a surprisingly strong turn towards interest in sustainable energy and infrastructure systems during the pandemic.
Christy Graves
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
School of Engineering, Design and Construction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Enterprise Architects in the next 3-5 years?
Christy Graves: BIM (building information modeling) technology will continue to become more important in the architectural engineering technology profession.
What experience really stands out on Senior Enterprise Architect resumes?
Christy Graves: Software skills, such as AutoCAD and Revit.
Clyde Eiríkur Hull
Professor of Strategic ManagementRochester Institute of Technology
Saunders College of Business
What type of skills will young Senior Enterprise Architects need?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: Graduates entering the workforce now and in the future will need to be comfortable in a digital workplace. Working digitally, whether in an established company or as a digital entrepreneur, was a growing trend before the pandemic, but it was pushing against a lot of inertia. That inertia has switched. Anything that works better, for the employer, digitally instead of in person is going to stay. Even if you aren't working remotely, you'll deal with many people who are. Graduates will need to be more capable of independent work, whether in virtual teams or on their own. But at the same time, interpersonal skills are going to become more important. People aren't interacting as much as they did, so their human skills are rusting. Anyone with polished interpersonal skills is going to stand out more.
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Enterprise Architects in the next 5 years?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: Architecture is being hit with virtual reality and augmented reality. Anything you can design now can be built in virtual reality for modeling. But the trend toward digital work is going to impact architectural designs for a long time to come. How will future homes be designed when many residents plan to work from home? How will professional buildings be impacted? Those are questions that architects are answering right now.
What Senior Enterprise Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.: I highly recommend a gap year between high school and undergrad, or between undergrad and grad school, if they are unsure of what they want to do.
College and graduate degrees are costly these days, so they should be done as a means to end and not to pass the time (unless one is in a financial position to do so). During that time off, they should find employment (regular, temp, part-time, or apprenticeship) related to something that they are interested in and volunteer at a relevant organization or government agency. This way, the person continues to build their resume and professional social network.
Putting yourself out there is very important for making informed decisions on what career moves you want to do next. Even adverse employment and volunteer experiences can be beneficial because you now have learned what you don't want to do. Knowing what you don't want to do before spending significant money on a college or graduate degree is a financially smart idea.