Architect Salary UK
Architects in the UK earn a median salary of £41,631 a year (ONS ASHE 2020, gross pay, all employee jobs). The figures cover the ONS occupation group “Architects” (SOC 2451).
Pay by career stage and region: Architect salary by region · Architect salary London · Architect salary West Midlands · Architect salary Yorkshire and The Humber · Architect salary Scotland
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £42,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For architects, £42,968 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +10% versus the national average.
About this role
Architects design buildings and spaces, creating functional, safe and aesthetically considered environments. They manage the design process from concept through planning permission to construction, ensuring compliance with building regulations and sustainability standards.
Key responsibilities
- Developing designs from concept to detailed plans
- Preparing planning applications and building regulation submissions
- Producing construction drawings and specifications
- Coordinating with engineers and contractors
- Conducting site visits to monitor construction
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires the ARB/RIBA three-part qualification: Part 1 (3-year degree), Part 2 (2-year diploma/masters) and Part 3 (professional practice exam). Minimum 7 years training. ARB registration is mandatory.
Career outlook
Demand fluctuates with construction cycles. Sustainable design, retrofit and BIM expertise are increasingly valued.
Key skills
Common industries
- Architecture practices
- Property development
- Local authority planning
- Heritage conservation
- Interior architecture
Data coverage
Salary Range (2020)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£30,993
0-2 years
Mid Level
£30,993
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2015-2020)
Gender Pay Comparison (2020)
Full-time vs All Employees (2020)
Full-time premium: +£1,337
Architect salary: common questions
How much do architects earn in the UK?
Is £42,968 a good salary in the UK?
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Have architects salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2020). How the figures are built: salary data methodology.