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Plan and design buildings and other structures considering aesthetics and function.
$68,730
Lower reported wage
$96,690
Median
$159,800
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

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Create free account →A license is required to practice as an architect; degree accreditation and experience rules vary by state. [1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
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U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
BLS 'Architects, Except Landscape and Naval' (17-1011). Median $96,690; 4.3% growth. 124,600 jobs.
Illustration: AI-generated image · Illustrative scene
Ask firms how the required supervised experience is paid and recorded for registration. [1]
Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
A direct study route; verify that the specific degree meets your state’s registration pathway. [1]
Plan and design buildings, develop drawings, and coordinate requirements with clients and construction teams. [1]
Architects work mainly in offices and visit construction sites. [1]
Usually full time; project deadlines may require extra hours. [1]
Safety rules, client changes, technical detail, and construction deadlines require careful coordination. [1]
With experience, architects may manage larger projects or lead a practice. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.