An architect designs buildings that satisfy specific requirements of economy, esthetics, function and safety. Professional architects usually have a degree in architecture and a minimum of three years of practical experience. Architects are typically salaried employees, but they may also be self-employed. A senior position at a prestigious firm offers the highest salaries to architects, although these positions are also the most competitive.

Factors
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of architects will grow by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average increase for all occupations. The income of a partner in an architectural firm can vary greatly depending on the economy. Many firms pay for the continuing education and licensing requirements of their employees. The income of self-employed architects is frequently very low until they establish their practices.

National Averages
• In 2010, the average annual salary for all architects was $78,530, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent of architects had an annual salary of $42,860, and the bottom fourth earned an average annual salary of $54,650. The average salary of the middle half of architects was $72,550 per year. The top fourth of architects had an annual salary of $93,020, and the top 10 percent earned annual salaries averaging $119,550 per year.

Industry Averages
• Architects working for the postal service earned the highest salaries, averaging $91,670 per year. Architects working for specialized design services earned the second-highest salaries with an average of $89,100 per year. The federal government paid its architects an average annual salary of $80,980, and real estate businesses paid their architects an average salary of $86,350 per year. Architects in scientific research earned an annual salary of $85,170 per year.

Geographic Averages
• The highest-paid architects worked in California, where they made an average salary of $91,010 per year. Vermont was the next highest-paying state, with average salaries of $89,280 per year. The architects in Nevada made average annual salaries of $88,560, and architects in Alaska earned salaries of $88,430. Connecticut architects earned an average salary of $86,470 per year.