RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Architects salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$100,370
Mean annual$102,520
Range (10th to 90th)$60,390 to $153,850
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment2,360
State vs national+7.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia architects fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$60,39025TH$78,710MEDIAN$100,37075TH$123,75090TH$153,850

The middle 50% of workers earn between $78,710 and $123,750, with a median of $100,370.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    Internship/residency

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • Building and Construction

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Visualization

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Operations Analysis

    Technical

    4.0 / 5
  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.

  2. 02

    Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.

  3. 03

    Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.

  4. 04

    Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.

  5. 05

    Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.

  6. 06

    Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.

  7. 07

    Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.

  8. 08

    Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.

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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for architects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Architects in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Architects in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $100,370.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Architects?
The Philadelphia metro median is +4.9% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $95,640.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Architects?
The Philadelphia metro median is +7.2% versus the BLS national figure of $93,633.
What is the salary range for Architects in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $60,390 and the 90th-percentile at $153,850 for the Philadelphia metro area.
What education is required for Architects?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Philadelphia CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.