Construction & Real Estate Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Architect Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median architect salary in Chicago, IL is $88,639 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$88,639
vs State Avg
+$9,941
vs National
+$5,799
Cost of Living
107%

Architect Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level architect earns around $55,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,640
+$3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,950
+$5,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,800
+$9,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $53,500
25th Percentile $68,480
Median (50th) $88,639
75th Percentile $119,840
90th Percentile $158,360

Architect Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$89,467
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$78,698
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$70,414
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$67,929
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Architect in Chicago

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Chicago

Browse open architect positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Chicago

How much does a Architect make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median architect salary in Chicago, Illinois is $88,639 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $53,500 (10th percentile) to $158,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,639, a architect in Chicago earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for architect pay? ▼
Chicago's median architect salary of $88,639 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $78,698. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $88,639 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Chicago? ▼
Most architect positions in Chicago 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.