Construction & Real Estate Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Architect Salary in Houston, Texas

The median architect salary in Houston, TX is $79,526 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$79,526
vs State Avg
+$3,313
vs National
$-3,314
Cost of Living
96%

Architect Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median architect salary of $79,526, which is $3,313 above the Texas state average of $76,213. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $142,080 at the 90th percentile — a $94,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,920, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,400. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level architect earns around $49,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
$-3,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,400
$-5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $61,440
Median (50th) $79,526
75th Percentile $107,520
90th Percentile $142,080

Architect Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Architect in Houston

Education

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

Find Architect Jobs in Houston

Browse open architect positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Houston

How much does a Architect make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median architect salary in Houston, Texas is $79,526 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $142,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,526, a architect in Houston earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for architect pay? ▼
Houston's median architect salary of $79,526 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $76,213. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $79,526 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Houston? ▼
Most architect positions in Houston 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.