Construction & Real Estate Idaho (ID) Rank #26 of 50

Architect Salary in Idaho

The median architect salary in Idaho is $77,870 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$77,870
vs National
$-4,970
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Architect Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Architect salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $77,870 per year, architects in Idaho earn $4,970 less than the national median of $82,840.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $77,870 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $47,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $139,120 — a $92,120 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $82,840.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level architect earns around $48,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,600 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,900
$-5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,600
$-8,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $47,000
25th Percentile $60,160
Median (50th) $77,870
75th Percentile $105,280
90th Percentile $139,120

Architect Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for architects in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Architect in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Idaho

How much does a Architect make in Idaho? ▼
The median architect salary in Idaho is $77,870 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $47,000 (10th percentile) to $139,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,870, a architect in Idaho earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for architects? ▼
Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $48,880, while senior professionals earn $131,600.
How does Idaho compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Idaho's median of $77,870 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($78,698) and Montana ($78,698).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level architect in Idaho earns approximately $48,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,600.
What city in Idaho pays architects the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for architects, with a median salary of $82,840. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.