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

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.