Architecture salaries
in New York - 2026
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
Architecture and Design
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How much do architects earn in New York?
The average salary for an architect in New York is $122,000 per year in 2026. Architects at 0-3 years start between $70,000 and $85,000, mid-career architects at 6-9 years earn $88,000 to $130,000, senior architects at 10+ years earn $115,000 to $150,000, and Managing Principals earn $150,000 to $220,000. All figures are USD base salaries excluding bonus.
Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
New York architecture salary table 2026
Base annual salaries in USD, excluding bonus. Benchmark your own salary with our calculator.
Showing annual base salaries, excluding bonus.
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architect (0-3 yrs) | $70,000 | $75,000 | $85,000 | |
| Architect (3-6 yrs) | $75,000 | $94,000 | $105,000 | |
| Architect (6-9 yrs) | $88,000 | $106,000 | $130,000 | |
| Senior Architect (10+ yrs) | $115,000 | $135,000 | $150,000 | |
| Project Manager (5-10 yrs) | $90,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | |
| Project Manager (10+ yrs) | $125,000 | $140,000 | $165,000 | |
| Visualiser | $65,000 | $75,000 | $95,000 | |
| Senior Visualiser | $75,000 | $95,000 | $130,000 | |
| BIM Coordinator | $85,000 | $95,000 | $120,000 | |
| BIM Manager | $95,000 | $125,000 | $150,000 | |
| Managing Principal | $150,000 | $185,000 | $220,000 | |
| CEO / President | $180,000 | $210,000 | $250,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
The architecture career path in New York
Average base salary by seniority.
Average base salaries in USD, excluding bonus.
How New York compares
Average base salary for the same level across the three major US markets we benchmark.
Base annual salaries in USD from the Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
What’s shaping New York architecture salaries in 2026
Entry level
Architects at 0-3 years earn $70,000 to $85,000, averaging $75,000. That is $5,000 ahead of both LA and San Francisco. Visualisers start at $65,000.
Mid-career
Architects at 6-9 years average $106,000, ahead of LA at $100,000 and level with San Francisco. BIM Managers earn $95,000 to $150,000, one of the widest technical bands in the market.
Senior
Senior Architects at 10+ years average $135,000, level with San Francisco and $10,000 ahead of LA. Project Managers at 10+ years reach $140,000.
Leadership
Managing Principals average $185,000 and CEOs or Presidents $210,000. Only San Francisco Managing Principals ($215,000) edge ahead of New York at the top of the architecture ladder.
Get the full 2026 Salary Guide
105 roles across 11 locations, hiring trends for every market, and practical advice for your next pay conversation. Built from 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and insight from 65 recruitment experts. Free to download.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an architect in New York?
The average salary for an Architect in New York is approximately $122,000 per year. Entry-level Architects (0-3 yrs) earn around $75,000, rising to $106,000 at mid-career and $135,000+ at Senior Architect level. Managing Principals and CEOs can earn $185,000 to $210,000 on average.
How is the architect salary data collected?
Our salary data draws on input from over 1,890 survey respondents, 1,200 recent placements, 3,000 job listings and insight from 65 recruitment experts.
Do architects earn more at large or small practices in New York?
Architects in New York typically earn more at larger practices, thanks to structured pay and bigger projects. But smaller studios offer broader experience, closer director access, more design influence and faster progression. Pay might be lower, but the hands-on exposure and autonomy can outweigh the difference, especially early in your career.
Are contractors paid more than permanent architects in New York?
Yes. Contract roles often pay 5-10% more than permanent ones. To find out more about contracting head here.
Which architecture sectors pay the most in New York?
Commercial, infrastructure, and hospitality sectors often offer higher salaries than residential or cultural projects.
Do architects in New York receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many architectural roles in New York offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions. See our full New York benefits benchmark for medical, 401k matching and paid time off by tier.
How do salaries for architects in New York compare to other US cities?
Architects in New York earn among the highest salaries in the US, reflecting the city's high cost of living and concentration of major architecture firms. Salaries are typically above Los Angeles, Chicago and other major markets, particularly at senior and principal level.
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