August 23, 2023
New Report Details Compensation & Benefits in Architecture
Architects face widening cost-of-living pay gap, says AIA
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released its 2023 Compensation & Benefits Report detailing trends for architects. This edition is the most extensive in 15 years, spotlighting the industry's response to inflation, workforce challenges, and the consequent effects on recruitment and retention.
The report indicates that firms are making concerted efforts to streamline the employment pathway for students and adopt diverse hiring strategies. Data derived for this study encompasses 16,308 positions, a 53% surge from 2021 figures.
The study, which covers 37 metro areas in the United States, shows that architects' average compensation increased by about 4% each year, rising from approximately $89,300 in 2021 to $96,626 by 2023.
Notably, perks such as casual dress codes, child- and pet-friendly workspaces, and increased work flexibility have seen a rise among firms. The adoption of Juneteenth as a paid holiday also observed traction. Despite these advancements, the compensation growth for most architecture roles has not matched the escalating cost of living over the past two years.
The trend toward remote work continues, although the number of remote workers in 2022 was less than 2020, yet surpassed pre-pandemic statistics. A significant 93% of firms in 2023 reported offering some form of support for employee licensure.
Other Findings from the Report:
Quality-of-Life Benefits: A noticeable increase in benefits like casual attire, child and pet inclusivity, flexible schedules, and work-from-home options.
Support for Students: The report found a rising trend in firms assisting with student loan repayments. While 5-6% of larger firms offered loan assistance in 2020, this figure jumped to 13-14% in 2022.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Firms are taking active steps to address discrepancies in pay related to gender and race. Internal committees and resource groups focusing on values-based employee concerns are reported by 73% of larger firms. The year 2022 saw the hiring and promotion of employees from diverse backgrounds - 93% in large firms, 75% in mid-size, and 49% in small entities. Interestingly, a greater number of firms assessed salaries based on gender (39%) than race (31%) in mid-sized firms in 2022.
The AIA Compensation & Benefits Report can be bought for $425. However, AIA also offers a free salary calculator. This report serves as a crucial tool for both individuals and firms to grasp current compensation and benefits trends, and it forms the basis for the data used in AIA's salary calculator.
