Salary information for Architecture in May, 2025.
FAQs about Architecture Salaries
What salary can I expect as an entry-level architectural assistant (Part I or Part II)?
Entry-level salaries for architectural assistants are relatively modest. As a Part I Architectural Assistant (typically a year-out student with a bachelor’s degree), you might expect a salary in the low £20,000s per year in much of the UK. In London, Part I assistants often see closer to the mid £20,000s (sometimes up to ~£25k) due to the higher living costs. If you’re a Part II Architectural Assistant (with a master’s degree), salaries start a bit higher – often in the mid/upper £20,000s outside London, and around £30,000 or slightly more in London. In short, a Part I might earn roughly £20k–£24k to start (London toward the top of that range), while a Part II could be in the £25k–£30k range to start (again, the higher end in London).
Do architects in London earn more than those in other regions?
Entry-level salaries for architectural assistants are relatively modest. As a Part I Architectural Assistant (typically a year-out student with a bachelor’s degree), you might expect a salary in the low £20,000s per year in much of the UK. In London, Part I assistants often see closer to the mid £20,000s (sometimes up to ~£25k) due to the higher living costs. If you’re a Part II Architectural Assistant (with a master’s degree), salaries start a bit higher – often in the mid/upper £20,000s outside London, and around £30,000 or slightly more in London. In short, a Part I might earn roughly £20k–£24k to start (London toward the top of that range), while a Part II could be in the £25k–£30k range to start (again, the higher end in London).
What is the typical salary for a newly qualified architect (Part 3)?
A newly qualified architect (i.e. you’ve completed Part 3 and are registered with the ARB/RIBA) can expect a significant bump from assistant-level pay, but it’s still moderate in the grand scheme. Typically, across the UK a fresh Part 3 architect might earn somewhere around £30,000 to £35,000 to start. In regional practices, starting salaries in the low-to-mid £30k range are common. In London, starting salaries for newly qualified architects are higher – often in the high £30,000s and sometimes into the low £40,000s, depending on the firm size and sector. So you might see offers around £38k–£42k in London for someone who just qualified. Factors like the size of the practice, the sector (commercial vs. residential, etc.), and your experience during Part 2 will influence the offer. Over the first few years post-qualification, many architects see their salary rise gradually as they take on more responsibility, moving from the low/mid-30s up into the 40s.
How do salaries progress as architects gain experience?
Salaries typically increase with experience, though the pace can vary. In the first 5–10 years of an architect’s career, you can expect steady growth as you move from junior roles to taking on more independent projects. For example, an architect with ~5 years post-qualification experience might be in the £40k–£50k range at a good-sized firm (higher end in London, lower end in smaller cities). As architects advance to senior architect or associate roles (often 10+ years of experience, depending on the firm), salaries might climb into the £50k–£70k range. Some experienced project architects or associates in larger London firms will be at the upper end of that range or beyond, while those in smaller regional firms might be toward the lower end. It’s also common that around the 5-8 year mark, some architects become associates if they stay with a firm, which usually comes with a salary bump and possibly bonuses. Keep in mind, progression isn’t automatic with years alone – taking on leadership, specialized expertise, or business development roles often drives the bigger salary jumps. Also, moving between employers can sometimes result in a salary increase if you leverage your experience for a higher position.
What can a senior architect or partner in a firm earn at the peak of their career?
Highly experienced architects in senior positions can earn substantial salaries, though there is a wide range. A Senior Architect or Associate (not yet a partner, but a senior staff member) often earns in the range of £50,000 to £70,000 annually. Larger practices or international firms may pay towards the higher end or beyond, especially in London. When you get to the level of Partner or Director of an architecture firm, earnings can vary even more. In big London practices, partners can earn six-figure salaries – sometimes well over £100,000 per year, especially if profit-sharing is involved. In contrast, partners in smaller regional firms might earn somewhere around £60k–£80k. It’s worth noting that being a partner often means you have an equity stake and your compensation might include bonuses or dividends based on the firm’s performance, not just a salary. Also, some senior architects choose to work as independent consultants or start their own firms, in which case their “salary” can fluctuate. In summary, peak career earnings for architects can be quite good, but they’re typically commensurate with the size and success of the practice – big firm partners make the most, while a sole practitioner might not reach those numbers.
Is the architecture job market this year competitive, and how does that affect salaries?
The architecture job market this year is reasonably competitive, but conditions can vary by region and sector. In recent years, we’ve seen a strong demand for architects and designers in sectors like housing, urban development, and sustainability projects. Coming out of the pandemic slow-down, many firms ramped up hiring, which is good news for job seekers. This demand has put some upward pressure on salaries, particularly for in-demand skills (for example, architects with BIM expertise, sustainable design credentials, or niche experience may command higher pay). However, architecture as a field also faces budget pressures – firms have to balance fees and costs – so salary growth isn’t as fast as in some other professions. At the moment, inflation and cost-of-living increases have pushed many employees to negotiate pay rises, and we are seeing firms respond, but often modestly. Regionally, the market is hottest in London and the South East (where competition for talent is high, thus offering higher salaries) while some areas in the North or smaller towns have fewer openings and relatively lower pay scales. Overall, if you have strong experience and skills, you’ll find opportunities, but be prepared to negotiate and possibly consider multiple offers. The competitive market means good candidates are valued, but you should still do your research on typical salaries for your level so you know what’s reasonable to expect.
What tips do you have for negotiating a higher salary in an architecture role?
Negotiating salary can be intimidating, but it’s an important skill. Here are a few tips for architecture job seekers at any level:
Do your homework: Research typical salaries for your position and region (for example, know the going rate for a Part II assistant in your city, or a project architect with your experience). This report and salary surveys are good references. Knowledge is power – if you have data, you can make a solid case and avoid lowball offers.
Highlight your value: Architecture is about skills and experience. Emphasize what you bring – software skills (e.g. Revit, Rhino), project experience, client management, unique design expertise, etc. If you’ve contributed to successful projects or have specialty knowledge (like sustainability or healthcare design), make sure your employer knows how that adds value.
Be professional and confident: When discussing an offer, express enthusiasm for the role, then pivot to salary. You might say, “I’m very excited about the opportunity. Based on my experience and the market rates, I was expecting a salary around £X.” It’s often effective to name a number or range that’s on the higher side of reasonable. Be confident but not confrontational.
Consider the whole package: Negotiation can include more than base pay. If a firm can’t meet your salary number, see if they can improve other benefits – e.g. additional holidays, flexible hours, support for Part 3 or further training, or a bonus. Sometimes architecture practices have tight salary bands but can offer a performance bonus or cover professional development costs.
Know when (and when not) to push: If an offer is on the lower end, it’s fair to negotiate. However, if it’s already generous or the firm clearly states it’s their best offer, read the room. You don’t want to come across as only caring about money – show that you’re eager to contribute to the team. That said, most employers do expect some negotiation, and it’s a normal part of the process. In architecture (a relatively small industry), maintain a good rapport during negotiations – you’re likely to work closely with these folks, so aim for a win-win outcome.
Get it in writing: Once you do agree on a salary (and any changes to the offer), make sure the official offer letter or contract reflects it. This avoids any misunderstandings later.
What should I consider when assessing a job offer besides the salary?
While salary is important, there are several other factors to weigh when evaluating a job offer in architecture:
Location and Cost of Living: £30k in one city doesn’t go as far as £30k in another. Consider the cost of living in the job’s location (rent, transportation, etc.). A slightly lower salary in a city with cheap housing might net you more savings than a higher salary in London with pricey rent.
Benefits: Look at the benefits package. Does the employer offer a pension contribution, health insurance, or travel card assistance? What about paid overtime, bonuses, or profit-sharing? Architecture firms vary – some offer comprehensive benefits and others are quite bare-bones. Also consider things like professional development support (will they pay for your Part 3 course or membership fees? Do they provide training budgets or mentorship programs?).
Work-Life Balance: Architecture is known for tight deadlines – you’ll want to know the office culture. Do they expect regular late nights and weekends, or do they promote a healthier balance? Sometimes a slightly lower-paid job that doesn’t burn you out is a better choice in the long run. Try to gauge this during interviews – you can ask how the team handles peak workloads, or even ask current employees about the office environment.
Project Opportunities and Portfolio: The kind of projects you’ll work on can impact your career satisfaction and future prospects. An offer might be appealing because the firm does the type of work you’re passionate about (e.g. sustainable design, cultural projects, large-scale urban design). Consider the experience you will gain. Sometimes working at a prestigious firm or on landmark projects can be a career accelerator (even if the pay is a bit less initially).
Firm Stability and Reputation: Is the firm growing? Do they have a solid pipeline of projects? A higher salary at a company that is unstable might not be worth it if there’s a risk of layoffs or pay cuts. Also, an employer’s reputation matters – working for a well-regarded practice can open doors, and conversely a firm with a poor reputation might be a red flag.
Culture and Personal Fit: Finally, trust your gut. Did the team seem like people you’d enjoy working with? A supportive, inspiring work environment is worth a lot. If possible, try to get a sense of the firm’s ethos – do they value design innovation, do they support diversity and inclusion, etc. In summary, look at the whole picture of the job offer. Salary is one piece of the puzzle – also consider professional growth, well-being, and long-term career goals.
Are architectural technologists paid differently than architects?
Architectural technologists (or technicians) specialize in the technical and detailed design aspects of projects, and their pay is usually comparable to architects at similar experience levels, though there can be differences. Early in a career, an architectural technologist might actually earn similar or slightly higher than a Part I/II architectural assistant, because technologists often come through a technical degree route and can be productive in technical drawing and BIM coordination from the get-go. As careers progress, a chartered architectural technologist (MCIAT) working, say, 5-10 years could have a salary on par with an architect of similar experience – often in the £30k–£45k range outside London, and higher in London. In many medium-sized practices, senior technologists and architects fall within the same salary band.
That said, some firms have a bias (conscious or not) toward the design-qualified architects when it comes to the very highest leadership roles and pay. For example, it’s more common for an architect to become a partner in a practice than for a pure technologist to do so, especially in design-led firms. In such cases, the ceiling for technologists might be a bit lower. But in firms that are technically focused (or multidisciplinary firms), technologists can rise to senior management and earn comparable salaries. Also, technologists in commercial sectors, large contractors, or engineering firms might command high salaries, sometimes exceeding what an architect would make in a traditional architecture studio. In summary, at the working level there isn’t a huge pay gap – your skills, experience, and the type of employer will matter more. If you’re a technologist, getting chartered (CIAT) and building expertise in high-demand areas (like BIM management) can boost your earning potential significantly, just as a qualified architect can boost theirs by becoming registered and specialized.
Are architecture apprenticeships paid positions, and how much do apprentices get paid?
Yes, architecture apprenticeships are paid jobs. An apprenticeship is a route where you work at an architecture firm and study (typically one day a week or in blocks) toward your Part 1 and Part 2 (and even Part 3 in the Level 7 apprenticeship). During this time, you are an employee and receive a salary. However, the pay for apprentices is lower than for traditional graduate hires, because you’re still in training and the firm is supporting your education.
Typically, architecture apprentices must be paid at least the minimum wage or living wage for apprentices. In practice, Level 6 Architectural Assistant apprentices (roughly equivalent to a Part 1 university student on placement) might earn somewhere around £15,000 to £20,000 per year to start. Some may earn a bit more, especially if they’re older (over 21) or in London where firms often adhere to the London Living Wage. For example, a London-based apprentice could start around £22k. Level 7 Architect apprentices (who have completed Part 1 already and are working toward Part 2 and 3) usually earn more, perhaps in the £20k–£25k range to start, rising as they gain experience over the course of the apprenticeship.
It’s important to note the big advantage: as an apprentice you don’t pay tuition fees and you gain work experience, so you’re essentially being paid to learn, which is quite valuable even if the wage is modest. By the time you qualify (after completing the apprenticeship, which typically takes 4+ years), you should have a great CV with years of experience and can expect your salary to jump to the standard rate for a newly qualified architect (which, as discussed, could be in the £30k–£35k+ range). Apprentices often continue with their employer after qualifying, and at that point their salary would be comparable to any other Part 3 architect. So, while an apprentice’s pay during training might feel low, remember you’re coming out with no student debt and a lot of practical experience. Always ensure that any apprenticeship pays at least the legal minimum – reputable firms will often pay a bit more to make sure apprentices can live reasonably, especially in expensive cities.
Comparison of Architectural Salaries: Greater London vs. UK
Architecture salaries in the UK can vary significantly by region. Greater London, as the nation’s economic hub, often commands higher pay than elsewhere in the UK. This report compares key architectural job titles – from Part I and Part II assistants up through Architects, Technologists, and Partners – highlighting low, medium, and high salary figures in London versus typical ranges across the UK. We use recent data to identify trends such as the London premium (higher pay in London) and compression at junior levels (more uniform pay for entry roles) versus wider gaps at senior levels. All figures are annual salaries in GBP.
Architecture apprenticeships (Level 6 Architectural Assistant and Level 7 Architect programs) are a newer route into the profession, and their salaries reflect the training role of these positions. Apprentices split time between working in practice and studying, and employers must pay at least a minimum wage. In practice, this means starting salaries often fall in the high teens (thousands per year). An apprentice in London will usually be paid at least the London Living Wage if the firm is RIBA-chartered, which puts many Level 6 (undergraduate) apprentices in the low £20,000s. For example, some London firms advertise architecture apprenticeships around £22k–£24k to start – comparable to a Part I assistant. In regions with lower living costs, apprenticeship pay might be closer to £18,000–£21,000, depending on the local minimum wage and firm size. By regulation, apprentices must be paid at least the National Minimum or Living Wage for their agearchitecture.com, so no full-time architecture apprentice should earn below about ~£16–£18k even at age 18. Many employers do pay above the legal minimum to attract talent. While these salaries are low relative to graduate hires, apprentices gain a degree without student debt and with 4+ years of work experience by the time they qualify. Upon completing the Level 7 (architect) apprenticeship and becoming licensed, their salaries typically jump to align with other early-career architects (mid/upper £30k’s, especially if staying on in London).
Part I Architectural Assistants (often recent architecture graduates on year-out placements) earn relatively modest pay across the UK. In Greater London, Part I assistants typically earn around £25,000–£28,000 (low to high), with a midpoint about £26–27k. This is only slightly higher than in regional UK cities: outside London, Part I salaries usually range roughly £18,000–£25,000, often settling in the low £20k’sarchitecturaltechnology.com. In other words, London may pay a few thousand pounds more for this entry-level role, but starting salaries are low nationwide. The London premium at Part I level is on the order of 10–15%, reflecting the capital’s higher cost of living but also a generally tight salary band for newcomers
Part II Assistants (those with a master’s degree in architecture, typically working toward qualification) see a slight increase in pay but still relatively close ranges between London and elsewhere. In London, a newly graduated Part II assistant might start around £30,000–£33,000, and with 3–4 years’ experience could reach £35,000–£38,000. Across the UK, Part II salaries tend to fall in the mid-£20,000s up to around £30,000 for most firms. So, a Part II in London might have a median salary in the low £30k’s versus perhaps high £20k’s in a regional city. London offers a small bump (perhaps 10–15% higher), but pay for Part II assistants remains fairly compressed nationally. Many Part II assistants in both London and the regions earn salaries in the £28k–£34k range, with only a minor London weighting.
Once qualified (ARB/RIBA Part III), architects’ salaries step up, and London’s premium becomes a bit more noticeable. In Greater London, a newly qualified architect (up to ~5 years post-qualification) can earn roughly £39,000–£50,000, with a median around £45k in the first few years. In contrast, elsewhere in the UK, early-career architects often see salaries around £30,000 to £37,000 for similar experience levels. For example, a regional practice might offer mid-£30k for a young architect, versus around £40k+ in London. This equates to London paying about 15–20% more at this stage. Still, even in London the low end for newly qualified architects may be in the high £30k’s, reflecting that early professional pay in architecture remains moderate. The gap is growing compared to entry-level, but not yet huge.
For senior architects (project architects with substantial experience, often 5–10+ years PQE or in leadership roles below partner), the London vs. UK gap widens further. In London, senior architects typically earn about £50,000–£68,000, with a median around £56k. In regional cities, a comparable senior architect might be in the £45,000–£55,000 range. For instance, a senior project architect in Manchester, Birmingham, or Bristol might earn ~£50k, whereas in London they might earn £60k+ for a similar role. This difference (on the order of 20%+ higher in London) reflects a broader pay scale in the capital.
At the Associate level (often the step between senior architect and partner, involving management responsibilities), the pattern continues. London associates might have salaries around £58,000–£72,000 (midpoint in the low £60k’s). Outside London, associate-level architects typically see around £50k–£60k. The London premium here can be significant – perhaps £10k more than elsewhere – but it also depends on practice size. In summary, senior and associate roles demonstrate a larger London premium: the capital’s higher fees and larger projects allow for paying senior staff more, whereas regional practices often have tighter top-end salaries.
At the apex of the profession, Partners or Directors of architecture firms show the widest salary gulf between London and the rest of the UK. Big London practices can offer very high remuneration to their partners. In Greater London, partners’ base salaries commonly range from roughly £120,000 on the low end to around £180,000 at the high end with a median in the six-figures (the provided London salary table lists ~£140k as a mid value). These figures reflect leadership roles in established firms – equity partners may earn even more when profit share is included.
Elsewhere in the UK, partner-level salaries are substantially lower on average. In many regions, an architecture firm partner might earn on the order of £60,000 to £90,000. Only the largest or most high-profile firms outside London would approach the six-figure threshold. For example, a partner in a medium-sized regional practice could be around £70k, which is decent but far below the £150k+ potential in London. This means London partners can earn 30–50% (or more) above their regional counterparts. Industry surveys confirm this stark divide: architects in London earn about 19% higher than the UK average overall, and this gap is largely driven by the top-end salaries in London. In short, the “London premium” is modest at junior levels but very pronounced at senior levels – London’s partners reap the rewards of the capital’s lucrative projects and client budgets, whereas regional leaders tend to have more limited ceilings.
Architectural Technologists (also known as architectural technicians or technical coordinators) focus on the technical design and construction aspects. Their salary trajectory often parallels architects of equivalent experience, though sometimes slightly lower. In London, an architectural technologist might earn roughly £30,000–£45,000 at junior to mid-level positions, and around £40,000–£60,000 in senior or specialist roles. (For instance, a Senior Architectural Technologist in London has a median salary around £50k, comparable to a senior architect’s median of ~£56k) Outside London, technologist salaries are a bit lower: entry-level tech roles might start in the mid-£20,000s, with experienced technologists in the £30k–£40k range.
National data shows architectural technicians averaging about £24k (starter) up to ~£42k (experienced) across the UK Thus, a capable architectural technologist in a regional firm could earn, say, £35k, whereas in London they might earn £40k+ for similar expertise. Overall, the London premium exists for technical staff too, but it’s analogous to that for architects – a moderate uplift in the junior/mid levels, growing for senior specialists in large London firms. Notably, in many practices technologists and architects can reach similar senior pay levels, especially if the technologist is chartered and in a leadership role.
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