Construction & Real Estate Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Architect Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median architect salary in Nashville, TN is $82,840 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$82,840
vs State Avg
+$9,112
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Architect Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median architect salary of $82,840, which is $9,112 above the Tennessee state average of $73,728. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $50,000 at the 10th percentile to $148,000 at the 90th percentile — a $98,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level architect earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $50,000
25th Percentile $64,000
Median (50th) $82,840
75th Percentile $112,000
90th Percentile $148,000

Architect Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Architect in Nashville

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Nashville 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 Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Nashville

Browse open architect positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Nashville

How much does a Architect make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median architect salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $82,840 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $50,000 (10th percentile) to $148,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,840, a architect in Nashville earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for architect pay? ▼
Nashville's median architect salary of $82,840 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $73,728. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $82,840 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Nashville? ▼
Most architect positions in Nashville 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.