Construction & Real Estate New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Architect Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median architect salary in New Orleans, LA is $81,183 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$81,183
vs State Avg
+$5,799
vs National
$-1,657
Cost of Living
98%

Architect Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median architect salary of $81,183, which is $5,799 above the Louisiana state average of $75,384. Compared to the national median of $82,840, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for architects in New Orleans spans from $49,000 at the 10th percentile to $145,040 at the 90th percentile — a $96,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,960, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,200. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level architect earns around $50,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,300
$-1,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,200
$-2,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $49,000
25th Percentile $62,720
Median (50th) $81,183
75th Percentile $109,760
90th Percentile $145,040

Architect Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

How to Become a Architect in New Orleans

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. New Orleans 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 New Orleans may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open architect positions in New Orleans, LA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Architect make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median architect salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $81,183 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $49,000 (10th percentile) to $145,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,183, a architect in New Orleans earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for architect pay? ▼
New Orleans's median architect salary of $81,183 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $75,384. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $81,183 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in New Orleans? ▼
Most architect positions in New Orleans 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.