January 27th, 2020
by American Institute of Architects

The following is a press release from the American Institute of Architects announcing the findings of the organization’s latest compensation survey.

 

Demand for design services has bolstered compensation for architects

Prolonged economic expansion, a near 50-year low unemployment rate and a 40-percent increase in non-residential construction spending over the last several years has led to an increase in compensation for architects. Pay for architectural staff positions has risen by more than six percent per year since early 2017, according to the 2019 AIA Compensation Survey.

The biannual compensation report provides salary data for more than 40 architecture firm positions in cities across the United States as well as industry salary trends and analysis on where the market is headed.

Key findings of this year’s report, include:
  • Over the past two years, compensation for architectural positions increased at 2.5 times the pace of growth of all professional and related staff in our economy.
  • The last instances where architect compensation reached an increase of six percent per year — 1999 and 2008 — were either just prior to, or as the economy and the construction sectors were entering, national economic downturns.
  • Benefits and flexibility to staff increased as did additional benefits that enhance the culture of the firm and help make it more employee-friendly.

In addition to the compensation survey, AIA members can use the AIA salary calculator for free to learn topline data on architecture position salary ranges by region of the country.

About the Author
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being. 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. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.