Salary Levels by Experience
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Est. Annual Net |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Graduate / Intern | $46,000–$59,000 | ~$41,623 |
| Architect I / II | $58,000–$90,000 | ~$56,782 |
| Senior Architect / PM | $88,000–$118,000 | ~$75,748 |
| Principal / Partner | $116,000–$188,000 | ~$107,121 |
Tax Breakdown at $86,000 (Bi-Weekly)
| Component | Per Paycheck | Annual | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $3,307.69 | $86,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$405.15 | −$10,534 | 12.2% |
| IL State Income Tax | −$163.73 | −$4,257 | 5.0% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$253.04 | −$6,579 | 7.6% |
| Net Take-Home | $2,486 | ~$64,630 | 75.2% |
What Drives Architect Pay in Chicago
Architects in New York City design buildings and urban spaces across one of the most architecturally ambitious and regulated construction markets in the world, from luxury residential towers and cultural institutions to affordable housing developments and transit facilities. NYC's status as a global design capital attracts top architectural talent but also means intense competition and a demanding path to licensure.
The AIA (American Institute of Architects) New York chapter is one of the most active in the country, and the city's architectural firms range from global giants like SOM and KPF to boutique design studios. The AXP (Architectural Experience Program) and ARE (Architect Registration Examination) pathway to licensure is long — typically 5–8 years after a professional degree — and unlicensed architects (Architectural Graduates) earn noticeably less. NYC's affordable housing programs and coastal resilience mandates have created new design opportunities beyond luxury development.
- AIA licensure (registered architect) vs. unlicensed graduate
- Design boutique vs. large AEC firm vs. public agency
- Specialty: residential, commercial, civic, or cultural
- LEED AP or Passive House certification
Top Chicago Employers
Major employers hiring architects in Chicago include: Boeing Chicago, Citadel, Northwestern Medicine, CME Group, United Airlines.
Tax note: An architect earning $108,000 in NYC takes home approximately $70,000–$74,000 after taxes — given the long training path and high cost of living, architects often cite salary compression at the entry and mid levels as a significant challenge in New York's market.
Frequently Asked Questions
An architect earning $86,000 in Chicago takes home approximately $64,630 per year, or $2,486 per bi-weekly paycheck, after all taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.8%.
Chicago architect salaries range from $46,000–$59,000 at entry level to $116,000–$188,000 for senior professionals. The median mid-career salary is approximately $86,000.
Licensure as an architect in New York requires a NAAB-accredited professional degree (5-year B.Arch, or M.Arch after a related bachelor's), completion of the AXP (Architectural Experience Program) requiring 3,740 documented hours across specific experience categories, and passing all six divisions of the ARE (Architect Registration Examination). For most practitioners, this process takes 7–10 years after starting their professional degree — but licensed architects in Chicago earn meaningfully more and can sign off on permitted work, making the credential worth pursuing.
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