Construction & Real Estate Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Architect Salary in Arizona

The median architect salary in Arizona is $80,355 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$80,355
vs National
$-2,485
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Architect Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for architect pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $80,355 per year, architects in Arizona earn $2,485 less than the national median of $82,840.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning architect salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $48,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $143,560 — a $95,060 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $92,781.

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 Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level architect earns around $50,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,800 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,450
$-2,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,800
$-4,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $48,500
25th Percentile $62,080
Median (50th) $80,355
75th Percentile $108,640
90th Percentile $143,560

Architect Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for architects in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Architect in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Arizona

How much does a Architect make in Arizona? ▼
The median architect salary in Arizona is $80,355 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $48,500 (10th percentile) to $143,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,355, a architect in Arizona earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for architects? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $50,440, while senior professionals earn $135,800.
How does Arizona compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Arizona's median of $80,355 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($81,183) and Maine ($81,183).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level architect in Arizona earns approximately $50,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,450. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $135,800.
What city in Arizona pays architects the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for architects, with a median salary of $92,781. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.