Construction & Real Estate Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Architect Salary in Louisiana

The median architect salary in Louisiana is $75,384 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$75,384
vs National
$-7,456
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Architect Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Architect salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $75,384 per year, architects in Louisiana earn $7,456 less than the national median of $82,840.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $75,384 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $45,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $134,680 — a $89,180 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $81,183.

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 Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level architect earns around $47,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,400 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,350
$-7,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,400
$-12,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $45,500
25th Percentile $58,240
Median (50th) $75,384
75th Percentile $101,920
90th Percentile $134,680

Architect Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for architects in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Architect in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Architect make in Louisiana? ▼
The median architect salary in Louisiana is $75,384 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $45,500 (10th percentile) to $134,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,384, a architect in Louisiana earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for architects? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $47,320, while senior professionals earn $127,400.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Louisiana's median of $75,384 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($76,213) and Wyoming ($76,213).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level architect in Louisiana earns approximately $47,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $77,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $127,400.
What city in Louisiana pays architects the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for architects, with a median salary of $81,183. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.