8 Highest Paying Countries For Architects

If you are a poorly paid architect, then you should definitely consider some of these 8 highest paying countries for architects. Your work should be appreciated and well paid.

We all know that architects create beautiful buildings and landscapes that astonish us. But their job isn’t just focused on determining a look of a certain building. They need to pay attention to every single detail revolving that building, from planning and designing the structure to construction. Architects spend a lot of time in their office but also need to be there every step of the way to make sure the structure is just the way it should be.

The road to becoming an architect isn’t an easy one. Although there are some differences depending on the country, the road is following: you need to gain a degree in architecture, complete an internship so you would gain on field experience and finally pass the test (Architect Registration Examination in the United States) that will give you a title of a licensed architect. If you are keen on choosing architecture as your life call, then be sure to read our article on 11 Most Affordable Architecture Schools in America.

Don’t be fooled; after you finish with everything, there is still a lot of competition out there. Salaries for architects are attractive, so more people decide for this career every year. Although demand for architects has increased about 7% from 2012 to 2014 in the United States, there are still a lot more architects than jobs themselves.

To get what we were looking for, we used an infographic published in Metalocus, an architecture focused magazine from Madrid, Spain. Since the average monthly salaries are given in Euros, we converted them to USD using conversion course from the end of 2014, when the infographic was published. They may have been some slight changes in the numbers, but these are for sure the 8 highest paying countries for architects in the world.

8. Saudi Arabia

Average Monthly Salary:  $4,641

The oil will run out eventually, or at least there will be less of it in the future. Saudi Arabia is figuring that out now and trying to set the foundations for an economy that doesn’t depend on the oil itself. There are many projects, and the country is becoming one big construction field. This is why architects are in demand and salary is good.

7. Ireland

Average Monthly Salary:  $4,651

According to some reports, Ireland’s demand for architects and other construction professionals in 2016 increased by around 40% compared to 2015. The high demand and salaries made Ireland a tempting destination for foreign professionals.

6. Qatar

Average Monthly Salary:  $4,665

Things said about Saudi Arabia apply to Qatar as well. Qatar’s economy is rapidly rising, and the country has the highest income per capita in the world. This makes it an ideal destination for professionals of various professions, with architects being in high demand due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

5. Canada

Average Monthly Salary:  $4,745

According to reports, Canada’s construction industry is on the rise and architects are in demand. The main reason for this is the average 72% growth of home ownership rate in Canada as well as economic growth that initiates other constructing projects all over the country.

4. Australia

Average Monthly Salary:  $4,750

When you know that most of Australia are wastelands, it is no surprise that the country is featured on 8 highest paying countries for architects. There is plenty of space to build things and need for people to make it happen, hence the big salary. There are numerous housing and other construction projects taking place all over the country, and according to reports, the demand for architects will have a steady increase up to 2018. And now, let’s see the top three highest paying countries for architects.

3. The United States

Average Monthly Salary:  $5,918

We already talked in the intro about some aspects of architecture demand in The United States, but it is important to notice that demand will have a steady increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many districts are planning on expanding, building or renovating a variety of facilities. Also, there is an always growing commercial construction industry. The highest demand and payment will be reserved for architects with knowledge in “green design”.

2. UK

Average Monthly Salary:  $6,146

Residential and infrastructure market is having a substantial growth in the UK that ranks second in our list of highest paying countries for architects, so the architects are in high demand and well paid. According to various estimations, the same trend will continue in the future as well, but it won’t reach a peak that it did in 2008.

1. Switzerland

Average Monthly Salary:  $7,374

Switzerland’s top spot among the 8 highest paying countries for architects is just one more reminder of the fact that employees in this country are among the highest paid in the world. Also, the country has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. If that is not a good indicator, we don’t know what is. But you should have in mind that there is a lot of competition for every type of work, so the architecture is not excluded.