Construction & Real Estate Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Architect Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median architect salary in Fort Collins, CO is $87,810 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$87,810
vs State Avg
+$828
vs National
+$4,970
Cost of Living
106%

Architect Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median architect salary of $87,810, which is $828 above the Colorado state average of $86,982. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for architects in Fort Collins spans from $53,000 at the 10th percentile to $156,880 at the 90th percentile — a $103,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,120, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,400. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level architect earns around $55,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,120
+$3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,100
+$5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,400
+$8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $53,000
25th Percentile $67,840
Median (50th) $87,810
75th Percentile $118,720
90th Percentile $156,880

Architect Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Architect in Fort Collins

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Collins and the surrounding Colorado 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 Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open architect positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Architect make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median architect salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $87,810 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $53,000 (10th percentile) to $156,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,810, a architect in Fort Collins earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for architect pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median architect salary of $87,810 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $86,982. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $87,810 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Fort Collins? ▼
Most architect positions in Fort Collins 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.