Demand for design services bolsters compensation at architecture firms

AIA's latest compensation report finds average compensation for staff positions up 2.8 percent from early 2015

Washington, D.C. – August 21, 2017 – As the U.S. economy continues to strengthen, compensation across all architectural staff positions averaged $84,000, up about 2.8% per year from early 2015 levels, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2017 Compensation Report.  The biannual report provides salary data for 39 architecture firm positions in 26 states, 25 metro areas and 17 cities as well as industry salary trends and analysis on where the market is headed.

Average compensation

2017

2015

2013

Senior design/project management staff

$111,000

$103,400

$99,400

Architects/designers

$82,800

$77,100

$73,000

Emerging professionals on the path to licensure

$53,100

$48,900

$47,000

Other key findings:

  • Architectural salaries have modestly exceeded gains in the broader economy in the last 15 years.
  • Compensation gains, net of inflation, for architecture positions averaged 1.5% annually over the 2015-16 period.
  • Architecture firms continue to add new types of employee benefits to encourage staff retention and growth.

Salary calculator:

Also updated for 2017 is the AIA Salary Calculator. This free tool provides topline data on architecture position salaries by firm size and region of the country to emerging professionals and others.

The 2017 Compensation Report is available for purchase here: https://www.aia.org/compensation

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

Contacts:
Matt Tinder
202-626-7462
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