Architecture salaries
in London - 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 London?
The average salary for an architect in London is £48,234 per year in 2026. Part I architects start at £28,000, rising to £35,000 at Part II, £50,000 once qualified with 5+ years, £57,000 at Senior Architect and £65,000 at Associate. Directors earn £90,000 to £130,000 and Partners £130,000 to £180,000. All figures are GBP base salaries excluding bonus.
Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
London architecture salary tables 2026
Base annual salaries in GBP, excluding bonus. Benchmark your own salary with our calculator.
Showing annual base salaries, excluding bonus.
Architecture salaries in London
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | £26,000 | £28,000 | £30,000 | |
| Part II (0-2 yrs) | £30,000 | £32,000 | £34,000 | |
| Part II (3-4 yrs) | £32,000 | £35,000 | £38,000 | |
| Architect (0-4 yrs) | £38,000 | £45,000 | £50,000 | |
| Architect (5+ yrs) | £48,000 | £50,000 | £55,000 | |
| Senior Architect | £50,000 | £57,000 | £70,000 | |
| Associate | £58,000 | £65,000 | £75,000 | |
| Associate Director | £70,000 | £80,000 | £90,000 | |
| Director | £90,000 | £110,000 | £130,000 | |
| Partner | £130,000 | £150,000 | £180,000 | |
| Technician | £35,000 | £40,000 | £50,000 | |
| Senior Technician | £45,000 | £55,000 | £65,000 | |
| Design Manager | £38,000 | £45,000 | £55,000 | |
| Senior Design Manager | £55,000 | £62,000 | £75,000 |
Urban design and landscape salaries in London
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Urban Designer | £29,000 | £31,000 | £33,000 | |
| Urban Designer | £36,000 | £42,000 | £44,000 | |
| Senior Urban Designer | £48,000 | £55,000 | £65,000 | |
| Urban Design Director | £62,000 | £94,000 | £114,000 | |
| Junior Landscape Architect | £27,000 | £30,000 | £31,000 | |
| Landscape Architect | £36,000 | £38,000 | £44,000 | |
| Senior Landscape Architect | £50,000 | £47,000 | £52,000 | |
| Landscape Architect Director | £70,000 | £94,000 | £120,000 |
BIM, CAD and IT salaries in London
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIM Modeller | £32,000 | £34,000 | £36,000 | |
| BIM Technician | £37,000 | £45,000 | £50,000 | |
| BIM Coordinator | £38,000 | £47,000 | £57,000 | |
| BIM Architect / Lead | £47,000 | £54,000 | £62,000 | |
| BIM Manager | £65,000 | £70,000 | £75,000 | |
| CAD / BIM / IT Manager | £55,000 | £68,000 | £90,000 | |
| Head of BIM | £78,000 | £83,000 | £104,000 | |
| Computational Specialist | £36,000 | £48,000 | £65,000 | |
| IT Technician | £26,000 | £33,000 | £42,000 | |
| IT Manager | £47,000 | £57,000 | £70,000 | |
| Head of Digital Design | £80,000 | £95,000 | £110,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
The architecture career path in London
Average base salary by seniority.
Average base salaries in GBP, excluding bonus.
How London compares
Average base salary for the same level in the two UK markets we benchmark.
Base annual salaries in GBP from the Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
What’s shaping London architecture salaries in 2026
Early career
Part I architects start at £28,000 and Part II at £32,000 to £35,000. This is a couple of thousand pounds above Manchester, where Part I averages £26,000.
Qualified
A qualified architect with 5+ years averages £50,000, level with Manchester. Senior Architects reach £57,000 against £52,000 in Manchester. BIM Managers earn £70,000.
Senior
Associates average £65,000 and Associate Directors £80,000, both clearly ahead of Manchester. Urban Design and Landscape Architect Directors reach £94,000.
Leadership
Directors earn £90,000 to £130,000 and Partners £130,000 to £180,000. Head of Digital Design reaches £95,000 and Head of BIM £83,000 on the technical leadership track.
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 London?
The average salary for an architect in London is approximately £48,234 per year. Part I architects start around £28,000, rising to £35,000 at Part II, £50,000 for a fully qualified architect with 5+ years, £57,000 at Senior Architect and £65,000 at Associate. Directors earn £110,000 and Partners £150,000 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 London?
Architects in London 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 London?
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 London?
Commercial, infrastructure, and hospitality sectors often offer higher salaries than residential or cultural projects.
Do architects in London receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many architectural roles in London offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions. See our full London benefits benchmark for Part III support, annual leave, hybrid working and pension by tier.
How do salaries for architects in London compare to other UK cities?
Architects in London earn higher salaries compared to other UK cities, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand in the capital. The gap to Manchester is widest at senior and associate level: an Associate averages £65,000 in London against £55,000 in Manchester, and a Director £110,000 against £90,000.
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