Construction & Real Estate Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Architect Salary in Minnesota

The median architect salary in Minnesota is $80,355 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$80,355
vs National
$-2,485
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Architect Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for architect pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $80,355 per year, architects in Minnesota earn $2,485 less than the national median of $82,840.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning architect salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $48,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $143,560 — a $95,060 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $86,982.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level architect earns around $50,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,800 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,450
$-2,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,800
$-4,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $48,500
25th Percentile $62,080
Median (50th) $80,355
75th Percentile $108,640
90th Percentile $143,560

Architect Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for architects in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Architect in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Architect make in Minnesota? ▼
The median architect salary in Minnesota is $80,355 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $48,500 (10th percentile) to $143,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,355, a architect in Minnesota earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for architects? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $50,440, while senior professionals earn $135,800.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Minnesota's median of $80,355 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($81,183) and Arizona ($80,355).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level architect in Minnesota earns approximately $50,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,450. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $135,800.
What city in Minnesota pays architects the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for architects, with a median salary of $86,982. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.