Construction & Real Estate Oregon (OR) Rank #10 of 50

Architect Salary in Oregon

The median architect salary in Oregon is $91,124 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$91,124
vs National
+$8,284
State Rank
#10 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Architect Salary Overview in Oregon (2026)

Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for architect compensation. This places Oregon in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for architects seeking high pay. At $91,124 per year, architects in Oregon earn $8,284 more than the national median of $82,840.

It's worth noting that Oregon's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $91,124 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $82,840.

The salary spread in Oregon is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $55,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $162,800 — a $107,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oregon for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $97,751.

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 Oregon by Experience

In Oregon, an entry-level architect earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,000 per year. The cost of living index in Oregon is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
+$5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,500
+$8,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,000
+$14,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oregon

Percentile OR Salary
10th Percentile $55,000
25th Percentile $70,400
Median (50th) $91,124
75th Percentile $123,200
90th Percentile $162,800

Architect Salary by City in Oregon

The largest employment areas for architects in Oregon include Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Gresham. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Architect in Oregon

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Oregon

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Oregon

How much does a Architect make in Oregon? ▼
The median architect salary in Oregon is $91,124 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $55,000 (10th percentile) to $162,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Oregon? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,124, a architect in Oregon earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oregon a good state for architects? ▼
Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $57,200, while senior professionals earn $154,000.
How does Oregon compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Oregon's median of $91,124 ranks #10 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($92,781) and Maryland ($91,124).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Oregon? ▼
An entry-level architect in Oregon earns approximately $57,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $93,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $154,000.
What city in Oregon pays architects the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Oregon for architects, with a median salary of $97,751. Other cities include Salem and Eugene.