Compensation for architects grows

The American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C., released the results of its 2008 AIA Compensation Survey, and the findings show a 6 percent annual increase in average compensation for architecture positions between 2005 and 2008. It is believed this increase is the result of the expansion of nonresidential construction before the recent downturn in construction activity. This marked the strongest period of growth since AIA began collecting compensation information in 1990. The survey also noted that compensation gains for architectural staff positions have significantly outpaced compensation gains in the broader economy in recent years. Architect positions saw a 30 percent increase in compensation between 2002 and 2008, more than half as much as the gains for the private workforce or for employees at professional and business services firms as measured by U.S. Department of Labor information. “Compensation gains were fastest for mid-range staff architect and designer positions,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Ph.D., Hon. AIA. “Part of this is based on the heavy demand for architectural services in recent years, which helped drive up salaries. ”The complete 2008 AIA Compensation Survey is available for purchase through the AIA Bookstore. In the interest of sustainability, the report is available in PDF format only this year. The full, 152-page report costs $195 for AIA members and $249 for nonmembers. Nine regional reports are available for $75 each for AIA members and $125 for nonmembers. Visit www.aia.org.