What does an architect do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings and other structures. The usual path is a bachelor's degree in architecture, a paid internship and a state license. BLS reports a median pay of $99,280 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 17-1011 |
| O*NET code | 17-1011.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $99,280 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 4 percent (as fast as average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 124,600 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an architect do?
BLS says architects meet with clients to set objectives, requirements and budgets, give preliminary cost and construction-time estimates, prepare structure specifications and contract documents, direct staff who prepare drawings, manage construction contracts, visit worksites to confirm construction follows the plans, and present their work to win projects.
Work environment
Architects spend much of their time in offices and also travel to construction sites. Architectural, engineering and related services employ 74 percent, self-employed workers account for 14 percent and construction employs 4 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says architects typically need a bachelor's degree in architecture, usually a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture, and about two-thirds of states require a degree from an accredited program. A paid internship of generally about 3 years comes before the registration exam. All states and D.C. require a license, and most states also require continuing education.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical, communication, creativity, organizational, technical (CADD and BIM) and visualization skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does an architect make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $99,280 for architects (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of architects to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels as fast as average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 6,900 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Build a portfolio and log internship hours early, since the license depends on both.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Civil engineers, Construction managers, Construction and building inspectors, Mechanical engineers.
Frequently asked questions
Do architects need a license? Yes. BLS says all states and D.C. require a license, which involves a degree, an internship and passing a qualifying exam.
How long does it take to become an architect? BLS describes a typical 5-year bachelor's degree followed by a paid internship of generally about 3 years before the registration exam.
How much do architects make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $99,280 for architects (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is architect a good career? BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average). About 6,900 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- Civil Engineer: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does a Construction Manager Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Building Inspector Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- Mechanical Engineer: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Architects: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 17-1011.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-1011.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.