Architects, Except Landscape and Naval: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval fall under the Architecture and Engineering category in the U.S. occupational classification. Architects, Except Landscape and Naval earn a median salary of $99,280 per year, ranking in the top 17% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.3% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do architects, except landscape and naval earn?

The median annual wage for architects, except landscape and naval is $99,280. That puts architects, except landscape and naval at #140 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is architects, except landscape and naval a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for architects, except landscape and naval is +4.3%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 124K positions in 2024 to 129K in 2034, a net change of 5K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become architects, except landscape and naval?

The standard path into architects, except landscape and naval begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Agricultural Engineers
  $98,590 median
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
  $82,890 median
• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
  $81,390 median
• Landscape Architects
  $79,870 median
• Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
  $78,350 median
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  $78,190 median

Common questions parents ask about architects, except landscape and naval