Architects’ compensation grows (April 2009)

Compensation and benefits in professional design practices remain strong, according to a study from Design Intelligence, Norcross, Ga. The survey, which draws data from 460 professional practice locations in the U.S., shows that the average compensation figures continue to march upward for recent architecture school grads. The mean salary for a graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, for example, has risen from $39,333 in 2008 to $41,012 in 2009. The mean salary for a graduate with a Master of Architecture degree has risen from $42,985 to $47,263. Professionals with 20 or more years of experience earn an average base compensation of $100,723; however, the top 20 percent can make $142,200.