Despite a steep economic recession during the first half of 2020, compensation for architectural staff at U.S. architecture firms essentially held flat over the 2019–2021 period, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) biannual Compensation Report.
“Like many professions, architecture firms across the country have had to weather an incredibly volatile period,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “While we have seen an unprecedented recovery in architecture firm billings during 2021, this report provides a valuable snapshot of the impact the pandemic had last year on firm compensation and employment levels.”
According to the report, architecture firms lost 16,000 positions between February and their low in July of 2020, which is 8% of all payroll positions at firms. Meanwhile the overall economy lost over 21 million payroll positions between February and April of 2020, or 16.5% of total payrolls.
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:
— Average compensation for recent architecture graduates was just under $56,000, however, there continues to be considerable variation in starting compensation nationally, with average starting compensation ranging from around $48,000 to $69,000, depending on the region of the country.
— Despite generally outpacing compensation growth in the broader economy, architect compensation is also much more volatile. Between 2019 and 2021, architect compensation increased 0.3% per year, while all professional compensation increased 2.4% annually, and 3.1% for all private workers.
— At firms with fewer than 50 employees, benefits as a share of base pay declined to 14.4% on average in 2020, after averaging just over 18% nationally two decades ago.
In addition to the compensation survey, AIA offers members a salary calculator to learn topline data on architecture position salary ranges by region of the country.
Complete results from the 2021 AIA Compensation Survey can be purchased online.
Related Stories
| Jan 17, 2015
When is a train station not a train station? When it’s a performance venue
You can catch a train at Minneapolis’s new Target Field Station. You can also share in an experience. That’s what ‘Open Transit’ is all about.
| Jan 16, 2015
Artsy lifeguard stations will brighten Toronto’s snowy beach
Five winning designs have been unveiled for lifeguard stands that will double as public space art installations on Toronto's beach.
| Jan 16, 2015
New York City construction costs continue to climb
A study released by the New York Building Congress shows that construction costs in Manhattan have risen 5% in each of the last two years.
| Jan 15, 2015
A reconstructed Taliesin West is the largest Frank Lloyd Wright LEGO Model [slideshow]
Artist Adam Reed Tucker used 180,000 LEGO pieces and 420 hours of work to recreate Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West campus.
| Jan 15, 2015
Construction materials prices fall in November
Construction input prices dipped 1.4% during the final month of 2014 and are down nearly 1% on a year-over-year basis, according to the Jan. 15 producer price index release from the U.S. Department of Labor.
| Jan 15, 2015
Libeskind unveils 'zig zag' plan for recreational center near Vilnius ski area
Perched on the highest peak between Vilnius' historic quarter and downtown, the Vilnius Beacon will be a hub for visiting skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
| Jan 15, 2015
Illustrations capture essence of Aalto, Ando, Hadid, Foster, and other famous architects [slideshow]
The illustrations are Federico Babina's abstract interpretations of the styles of famous architects, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Bjarke Ingels.
| Jan 14, 2015
10 change management practices that can ease workplace moves
No matter the level of complexity, workplace change can be a challenge for your client's employees. VOA's Angie Lee breaks down the process of moving offices as efficiently as possible, from creating a "change team" to hosting hard-hat tours.
| Jan 13, 2015
Steven Holl unveils design for $450 million redevelopment of Houston's Museum of Fine Arts
Holl designed the campus’ north side to be a pedestrian-centered cultural hub on a lively landscape with ample underground parking.
| Jan 12, 2015
23 projects win AIA's highest architecture award
Bjarke Ingels' Danish Maritime Museum and William Rawn's Cambridge Public Library are among the winning projects.
