Trends in compensation at architecture firms are indicative of the general health of the design and construction industry. Increased construction activity equates to more work for architecture firms, a need for more staff at architecture firms, and improved profitability, which can result in increased compensation.
Other key findings of the survey include:
• 67 percent of firms offer a salary increase upon completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
• More than 40 percent of firms offer higher salaries for master’s degree holders
• Compensation gains for computer-assisted design (CAD) managers have averaged more than 25 percent over the three-year period
• Slower economy has caused a decline in firms offering sign-on bonuses
The 2005 AIA Compensation Report is researched and compiled by the AIA’s economics and market research department. Average compensation figures are provided for registered architects, interns, and other graduates of architecture programs. Non-guaranteed compensation figures (bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentive compensation) are also reported.
For more information, go to www.aia.org.
