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Architect: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries after Part 1 (first degree qualification): £17,000 - £20,000 (salary data collected Jan 10).
• Range of typical starting salaries after Part 2 (second degree or diploma): £20,000 - £30,000 (salary data collected Jan 10).
• Range of typical salaries after Part 3 (final exam and qualification) or for those with experience and/or qualifications: £25,000 - £35,000 (salary data collected Jan 10).
• Range of typical salaries at senior level/associate/partner level: £35,000 - £80,000 (salary data collected Jan 10).
• Salaries vary considerably according to the location, sector and size of the employing organisation, with salaries normally higher in London.
• Salaries often rise sharply with experience and when chartered status is achieved.
• Working hours are usually nine to five, Monday to Friday, but when working to tight deadlines it is not uncommon for architects to work long hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Architects are predominantly office based, but their work does include out-of-office visits to both clients and sites. Appropriate safety equipment, such as protective boots and headgear, must be worn on site.
• Self-employment or freelance work is possible, especially for experienced architects with chartered status.
• Part-time work or career breaks may be possible in some organisations, although are generally fairly uncommon.
• Currently only 20% of architects are female (2009 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)  Earnings Survey).
• The dress code tends to be conservative, and architects are expected to dress smartly, even when visiting sites.
• Opportunities exist throughout the UK and abroad with many large private practices having overseas offices or contracts. However, these posts usually require experience and are rarely suitable for new graduates.
• There may be considerable travel within a working day, although absence from home overnight is uncommon. A company car is not usually offered, but mileage for site visits may be payable.

AGCAS

Written by Nick Huston, AGCAS

Last updated:

January 2010

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