Construction & Real Estate Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Architect Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median architect salary in Memphis, TN is $71,242 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$71,242
vs State Avg
$-2,486
vs National
$-11,598
Cost of Living
86%

Architect Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median architect salary of $71,242, which is $2,486 below the Tennessee state average of $73,728. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,242 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Memphis spans from $43,000 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $84,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,720, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,400. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level architect earns around $44,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $43,000
25th Percentile $55,040
Median (50th) $71,242
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Architect Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$82,840
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$76,213
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$72,899
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$72,899
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Architect in Memphis

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Memphis

Browse open architect positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Memphis

How much does a Architect make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median architect salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $71,242 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $43,000 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,242, a architect in Memphis earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for architect pay? ▼
Memphis's median architect salary of $71,242 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $73,728. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $71,242 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Memphis? ▼
Most architect positions in Memphis 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.