Compensation Benchmarks (2023 Data)
Data aggregated from AIA reports and independent regional surveys.
| Title / Experience | National Average Base | High Cost of Living Area (NYC/SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed Designer (0-3 yrs) | $58,500 | $68,000 |
| Recently Licensed Architect (3-5 yrs) | $72,000 | $85,000 |
| Project Manager (8-10 yrs) | $95,000 | $115,000 |
| Principal / Partner | $135,000+ (highly variable) | $160,000+ |
Note on Overtime: Under FLSA, many junior staff are misclassified as exempt. If you are hourly, you must be paid 1.5x for hours over 40.