Architect Salary Range

Architecture is a radically distinctive combination of the creative and practical abilities of an architect. It is a wide term, and relates to the infrastructure as well as the software development field. However, when we say architects, the first thing that comes to our mind is professionals who help in designing buildings and homes. Nowadays, there are different kinds of architects such as landscape, naval, and even software architects. However, the term 'architect' is generic to the infrastructure designing and development sector.

Salary Range

A majority of architects are employed by clients for the execution of a particular project. They make a blueprint of and devise structures like houses and edifices. In addition to safety factors, these architecture professionals should also consider clients' budget constraints and aesthetic necessities. They are proficient in their operation area's building codes and permit jurisprudences, as well as managing construction efficiently. The innovative and management skills, qualities, and capabilities is the reason why the salary range for an architect is so high. In May 2008, the median hourly pay of an architect was $37, and the annual salary was approximately $77,000. The average salary varied from $42,000 to $120,000 per year.

Types of Architects

Landscape Architect
The primary duty of landscape architects is to create useful and beautiful outdoor ambiances. They utilize natural factors such as land, trees, bushes, etc. to create beautiful settings which increase the appearance of buildings, main roads, and parks. They are hired for executing small residential projects or big commercial ones. For instance, they may be asked to design a pond for a private estate, or might be contracted for working on the design of a public park. Few landscape architects may be hired for carrying out industrial projects which may include designing appealing surroundings for a factory. Some might also render services for designing highways and freeways as well. The salary of landscape architects ranges from $45,000 to $80,000 with the average being $60,000. However, the per annum earnings predominately count on the expertise and the years of experience in the field. Considering this fact, some landscape architects might even earn a sum of around $100,000 per annum.

Software Architect
A software architect is an Information Technology (IT) professional who is responsible for prescribing design alternatives to software development experts. He carries out the task of providing suggestions at platform, coding, and technical levels. His principal aim is to obtain a complete understanding of the clients' requirements and efficiently communicate them to the software design professionals. His job description includes overseeing the development team, managing the full life cycle of the process, carrying out the research, re-examining codes, and monitoring any testing. He is also required to conduct employee training and development throughout several different stages of the software development life cycle. Moreover, he makes sure that all development activities and routines are in conformity with the client's best practice policies and processes. His is also responsible for tracking and keeping all records of the projects, and reporting to the leadership. In the year 2009, the median salary earned by a software architect amounts to around $100,000 per annum. The software architect salary range is predicted to grow in the future, with an increase in the job prospects of these professionals.

Naval Architect
A naval architect is an expert engineer who is assigned the task of designing, constructing, and repairing ships and boats, ferries, submarines, warships, vessels, etc. His is responsible for devising the design for ships, boats, related components and equipment, etc. by employing specific mathematical and physical prototypes. He also makes sure that the ships' design is appropriate in terms of technicalities and safety ordinances. His job description includes devising the complete build procedure of the vessel, and supervising everything from concepts to the final delivery of the product. Moreover, he even advises engineering solutions, technical and commercial direction, and guidance and project management for concept design research. His main responsibility is to conduct a risk analysis of the vessels and marine structures by employing the ordinances of classification societies and intergovernmental organizations. The median salary for naval architects is approximately $75,000 per annum. Those possessing few years of work experience and working in the private sector may earn over $100,000 per annum.

There are many other job responsibilities that these architects carry out. Their pay mostly varies on their duties, level of expertise, and creativity.