Construction & Real Estate Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Architect Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median architect salary in Erie, PA is $69,586 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$69,586
vs State Avg
$-9,940
vs National
$-13,254
Cost of Living
84%

Architect Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median architect salary of $69,586, which is $9,940 below the Pennsylvania state average of $79,526. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $69,586 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Erie spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $124,320 at the 90th percentile — a $82,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,680, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Architect Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level architect earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $53,760
Median (50th) $69,586
75th Percentile $94,080
90th Percentile $124,320

Architect Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$84,497
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$77,870
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$77,041
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$72,899
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Architect in Erie

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Erie

Browse open architect positions in Erie, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Erie

How much does a Architect make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median architect salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $69,586 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,586, a architect in Erie earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for architect pay? ▼
Erie's median architect salary of $69,586 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $79,526. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $69,586 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Erie? ▼
Most architect positions in Erie 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.