What Architects, Except Landscape and Naval do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Architects, Except Landscape and Naval this way: "Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time"; "Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures"; "Prepare contract documents for building contractors"; "Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs"; "Administer construction contracts".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is internship/residency.
Job outlook for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 124,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 129,900 in 2035, an increase of 5,300 jobs (+4.3%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 14.0% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $99,280, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Architects, Except Landscape and Naval earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $99,327 in New York to $99,406 in New Jersey, a gap of $79 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $99,280 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 12,910, which is 52.4% of the 24,650 counted across them. New York follows with 11,740.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($99,406) and New York ($99,327) lead the ranking, while New York ($99,327) and New Jersey ($99,406) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
How much do Architects, Except Landscape and Naval earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $99,280. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $99,327 to $99,406.
Which state pays Architects, Except Landscape and Naval the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $99,406. New York is next at $99,327.
Is Architects, Except Landscape and Naval a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,900 openings a year.
What education do Architects, Except Landscape and Naval need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree and internship/residency, according to BLS.