Architecture salaries
in Austin - 2026
The average salary for an Architect in Austin is $121,000 per year.
Find out how much Architects earn in 2026 in Austin across all levels, from Graduate to Managing Principal. Trusted by top Austin architecture firms.
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
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Architecture Salaries Austin 2026
Architecture
| Job Title | $ Low | $ Avg | $ High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect (0 - 3 years) | 59,000 | 68,000 | 80,000 |
| Architect (3 - 6 years) | 75,000 | 88,000 | 98,000 |
| Architect (6 - 9 years) | 92,000 | 105,000 | 118,000 |
| Senior Architect (10+ yrs) | 101,000 | 122,000 | 140,000 |
| Project Manager (7 - 12 yrs) | 110,000 | 127,000 | 145,000 |
| Project Manager (12 + yrs) | 122,000 | 135,000 | 150,000 |
| Visualiser | 65,000 | 85,000 | 95,000 |
| Senior Visualiser | 80,000 | 90,000 | 105,000 |
| BIM Coordinator | 72,000 | 78,000 | 86,000 |
| BIM Manager | 95,000 | 120,000 | 132,000 |
| Principal | 140,000 | 170,000 | 200,000 |
| Managing Principal | 170,000 | 190,000 | 230,000 |
| CEO/President | 180,000 | 200,000 | 270,000 |
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.
Architects in Austin 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.
Yes. Contract roles often pay 5-10% more than permanent ones. To find out more about contracting head here.
Commercial, infrastructure, and hospitality sectors often offer higher salaries than residential or cultural projects.
Many architectural roles in Austin offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions.
Architects in Austin earn competitive salaries relative to most US cities, benefiting from Texas's strong construction pipeline and no state income tax. Salaries are typically below New York and San Francisco but comparable to Dallas and Houston, with lower living costs making take-home pay go further.
The average salary for an Architect in Austin is approximately $121,000 per year. Entry-level Architects (0–3 yrs) earn around $68,000, rising to $105,000 at mid-career and $122,000+ at Senior Architect level. Principals and Managing Principals can earn $170,000–$190,000 on average.
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