Construction & Real Estate Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Architect Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median architect salary in Lafayette, LA is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$72,899
vs State Avg
$-2,485
vs National
$-9,941
Cost of Living
88%

Architect Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median architect salary of $72,899, which is $2,485 below the Louisiana state average of $75,384. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

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

Architect Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$81,183
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$76,213
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$71,242
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$70,414
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Architect in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open architect positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Architect make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median architect salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,899, a architect in Lafayette earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for architect pay? ▼
Lafayette's median architect salary of $72,899 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $75,384. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $72,899 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Lafayette? ▼
Most architect positions in Lafayette 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.