Construction & Real Estate Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Architect Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median architect salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$72,899
vs State Avg
+$828
vs National
$-9,941
Cost of Living
88%

Architect Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median architect salary of $72,899, which is $828 above the Alabama state average of $72,071. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,899 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Tuscaloosa spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $86,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level architect earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $56,320
Median (50th) $72,899
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Architect Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$76,213
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$74,556
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$71,242
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$70,414
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Architect in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open architect positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Architect make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median architect salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,899, a architect in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for architect pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median architect salary of $72,899 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $72,071. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $72,899 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most architect positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.