As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Architect, Specialist in the United States is $111,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Licensed Architect, Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Licensed Architect, Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $117,790 | $9,816 | $2,265 | $57 |
| Average | $111,890 | $9,324 | $2,152 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,390 | $8,616 | $1,988 | $50 |
A Licensed Architect, Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed Architect, Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Design Architect, Experienced | 2-4 years | $75,889 |
| Design Architect, Senior | 4-7 years | $93,515 |
| Licensed Architect, Specialist | 7+ years | $111,857 |
| Design Architect, Master | 7-10 years | $131,558 |
| Architect Team Leader | 10+ years | $108,818 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 6.35% |
| Programming | 1.9% |
| Adobe | 1.19% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Licensed Architect, Specialist's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Management Skills | $124,198 | |
| Commitment | $121,960 | |
| Adobe Creative Suite | $117,485 |
Licensed Architect, Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $121,563. While startup companies pay approximate $103,023.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $103,023 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $108,910 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $117,442 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $121,563 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Architect, Specialists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Licensed Architect, Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $130,989 and $138,754).
| Typical Education for Licensed Architect, Specialist | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 45.4% |
| Masters | 51.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Licensed Architect, Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $117,790 | $9,816 | $2,265 | $57 |
| Average | $111,890 | $9,324 | $2,152 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,390 | $8,616 | $1,988 | $50 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Licensed Architect, Specialist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Design Architect, Master role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $131,600 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Licensed Architect, Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $102,363 in 2023 to around $102,367 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Architect, Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $102,363 |
| 2024 | $102,882 |
| 2025 | $102,367 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Architect, Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Licensed architects typically earn a minimum salary of $124,290, a mid-range salary of $138,390, and a maximum salary of $153,090. In comparison, engineers' salaries can vary widely depending on their specialization and experience. Generally, architects may earn more than some engineering roles, but it ultimately depends on the specific field and location.
The highest paying job in the world can vary, but a Licensed Architect is among the top earners in the field. With a minimum salary of $124,290, a mid-range salary of $138,390, and a maximum salary reaching $153,090, this profession offers substantial financial rewards, reflecting the expertise and responsibility required in architectural design and planning.
Yes, architects in the USA are well-compensated. The salary data indicates that Licensed Architects earn between $124,290 and $153,090 annually, with a median salary of $138,390. While entry-level positions may start lower, experienced architects can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and contributions to the field.
Best-Paying States for Architects The states and districts that pay Architects the highest mean salary are California, with salaries ranging from $124,290 to $153,090, followed by the District of Columbia, Wyoming, Alaska, and Nevada. These figures reflect the competitive compensation for licensed architects in these regions. How much do architects make in your city?
The United States offers some of the highest salaries for licensed architects. The minimum salary is approximately $124,290, with a mid-range salary of around $138,390, and the maximum salary reaching up to $153,090. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled architects in various sectors across the country.
To earn a six-figure salary as a Licensed Architect, focus on developing your skills and gaining experience. The minimum salary is $124,290, with mid-level positions earning around $138,390 and top earners making up to $153,090. Consider switching jobs for better opportunities, take on more responsibilities, and ensure regular performance reviews to enhance your career growth.
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