Construction & Real Estate Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Architect Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median architect salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$72,899
vs State Avg
$-829
vs National
$-9,941
Cost of Living
88%

Architect Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median architect salary of $72,899, which is $829 below the Iowa state average of $73,728. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,899 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Cedar Rapids spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $86,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level architect earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $56,320
Median (50th) $72,899
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Architect Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$78,698
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$76,213
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$71,242
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$69,586
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Architect in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open architect positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Architect make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median architect salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,899, a architect in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for architect pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median architect salary of $72,899 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $73,728. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $72,899 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most architect positions in Cedar Rapids 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.