Construction & Real Estate Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Architect Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median architect salary in Charlotte, NC is $81,183 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$81,183
vs State Avg
+$4,970
vs National
$-1,657
Cost of Living
98%

Architect Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median architect salary of $81,183, which is $4,970 above the North Carolina state average of $76,213. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte'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 Charlotte 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. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, NC

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

Architect Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$81,183
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$78,698
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$72,899
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$71,242
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Architect in Charlotte

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open architect positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Architect make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median architect salary in Charlotte, North Carolina 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 Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,183, a architect in Charlotte earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for architect pay? ▼
Charlotte's median architect salary of $81,183 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $76,213. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $81,183 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Charlotte? ▼
Most architect positions in Charlotte 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.