Facts

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2009 that the average annual salary for architects in America was $78,880. Idaho's annual median wage for architects in 2009 was $69,920, $8,960 less than the nation's average.
  
  

Ranges

• A portion of Idaho's 430 architects (in May 2009) earned significantly higher than the national average. Idaho's top 90th percentile earned salaries of approximately $93,310. At the other end of the range, the bottom 10th percentile took in $32,650 per year.
  
  

Considerations

• Architects build the foundation to earning their salaries by studying for a degree in architecture at hundreds of schools across the country, including 117 accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, the University of Idaho among them. Prior to Idaho's mandatory licensing Architect Registration Examination, architects spend approximately three years training as interns, general contractors or engineers.
  
  

Outlook

• Employment in the field of architecture is building, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS projects a 16 percent growth in the industry, adding 22,900 jobs across the country. The BLS suggests Idaho architects looking to secure higher salaries explore "green" design as one of the most expansive areas of the industry.