Construction & Real Estate Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Architect Salary in Alabama

The median architect salary in Alabama is $72,071 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$72,071
vs National
$-10,769
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Architect Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Architect salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $72,071 per year, architects in Alabama earn $10,769 less than the national median of $82,840.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $72,071 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $43,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $128,760 — a $85,260 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $76,213.

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for architects across the country.

Architect Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level architect earns around $45,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,800 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,240
$-6,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,950
$-11,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,800
$-18,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $43,500
25th Percentile $55,680
Median (50th) $72,071
75th Percentile $97,440
90th Percentile $128,760

Architect Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for architects in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Architect in Alabama

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Alabama

How much does a Architect make in Alabama? ▼
The median architect salary in Alabama is $72,071 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $43,500 (10th percentile) to $128,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,071, a architect in Alabama earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for architects? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $45,240, while senior professionals earn $121,800.
How does Alabama compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Alabama's median of $72,071 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($72,899) and South Dakota ($72,899).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level architect in Alabama earns approximately $45,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,950. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $121,800.
What city in Alabama pays architects the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for architects, with a median salary of $76,213. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.