August 10, 2005—According to the 2005 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Compensation Report, average salaries at architecture firms have increased more than 10 percent between 2002 and 2005, approximately a 3.3 percent annual compound growth rate. These figures represent a notable increase in compensation considering that professional salaries in the US economy grew by only 2.5 percent on average over the same period, according to U.S. Department of Labor figures.
Trends in compensation at architecture firms are indicative of the general health of the design and construction industry. Increased construction activity equates to more work for architecture firms, a need for more staff at architecture firms, and improved profitability, which can result in increased compensation.
The 2005 AIA Compensation Report is researched and compiled by the AIAs economics and market research department. Average compensation figures are provided for registered architects, interns, and other graduates of architecture programs. Non-guaranteed compensation figures (bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentive compensation) are also reported.
For more information, visit the AIA Web site.
