Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $96,870 Median, How to Become One, and Job Outlook
Postsecondary architecture teachers earn a median salary of $96,870 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $47 per hour. The top 10% of earners make over $159,030, while those just entering the field may start around $58,430. Employment in this profession is relatively small—just 7,700 jobs nationwide—but demand is steady.
How much Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The national median wage for architecture professors is $96,870. The average (mean) salary is slightly higher at $101,250, driven by higher-paid positions at research universities. The typical range falls between $58,430 (10th percentile) and $159,030 (90th percentile). Your earnings will depend on your institution type, academic rank, and years of experience.
Pay by state
Location matters for architecture professors. The highest-paying state is New York, where the mean salary reaches $126,430. Other top states include Connecticut ($122,880), Virginia ($105,940), Illinois ($104,580), and California ($103,520). On the lower end, Nebraska pays a mean of $77,540, South Carolina $76,900, and New Mexico $69,820. These differences often reflect the cost of living and the concentration of architecture programs.
How to become Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Becoming a postsecondary architecture teacher typically requires a professional degree in architecture—usually a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or a Master of Architecture (M.Arch)—plus professional experience and licensure. Many positions, especially at four-year colleges, also require a terminal degree such as a Ph.D. in architecture or a related field.
- Earn a professional architecture degree (B.Arch or M.Arch) from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
- Gain professional experience as a practicing architect, often 5+ years, and obtain licensure (pass the Architect Registration Examination).
- For tenure-track roles, pursue a research-based doctorate or similar terminal degree.
- Build a portfolio of teaching, research, or creative work; many start as adjunct instructors.
Job outlook
Employment for postsecondary architecture teachers is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That growth translates to roughly 900 new openings per year, largely due to the need to replace retiring professors. With only 7,700 current positions, competition can be stiff, especially for full-time, tenure-track jobs at top schools.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a postsecondary architecture teacher?
Entry-level architecture teachers (10th percentile) earn around $58,430 per year, according to BLS data. Starting pay varies by institution type and location.
Do I need a PhD to teach architecture at a university?
It depends. Many community colleges and some adjunct positions accept a master's degree plus professional experience. However, tenure-track roles at four-year universities often require a PhD or equivalent terminal degree.
Which states pay architecture professors the most?
New York leads with a mean salary of $126,430, followed by Connecticut ($122,880), Virginia ($105,940), Illinois ($104,580), and California ($103,520).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary data.