Architecture Salary Guide 2026
From Part 1 graduates to Directors and Senior Partners, this guide covers typical UK architecture salaries based on JustEng’s placement data across commercial, residential, mixed-use and infrastructure sectors.
Architect Salary Ranges — UK 2026
| Level | Typical Salary | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 Architectural Assistant | £22,000 – £28,000 | RIBA Part 1 |
| Part 2 Architectural Assistant | £28,000 – £38,000 | RIBA Part 2 |
| Newly Qualified Architect | £38,000 – £48,000 | RIBA Part 3 |
| Architect / Project Architect | £48,000 – £65,000 | 3 – 8 years PQE |
| Senior Architect / Associate | £65,000 – £85,000 | 8 – 15 years |
| Director / Senior Partner | £85,000 – £120,000+ | 15+ years |
Key Factors Affecting Architecture Pay
Sector specialisation (healthcare, education, residential, commercial), the size and reputation of the practice, and whether a role involves client-facing duties all influence salary. London practices consistently pay 15–25% above regional equivalents. Proficiency in Revit and a strong design portfolio are prerequisites for mid-to-senior roles.
Looking to Hire Architects?
JustEng connects practices with qualified architects across all RIBA stages throughout the UK.
Hiring at this level? For director and board appointments see our executive search practice, or read How to Hire Engineers for the full employer guide.
Reviewed and updated: August 2026.
Architect Salaries by RIBA Stage
UK architecture pay tracks the RIBA route to qualification. As an indicative 2026 guide: Part 1 architectural assistants typically earn in the mid-twenties; Part 2 assistants the low-to-mid thirties; a newly qualified (Part 3) architect around the high thirties to high forties; senior architects the fifties; associates the sixties to seventies; and directors and partners beyond that, with London and equity adding further. Bands vary by practice size, sector and location — see the table above for detail.
How much does an architect earn in the UK in 2026?
A qualified architect in the UK typically earns from the high thirties to the high forties, rising into the fifties as a senior and the sixties-plus at associate and director level. RIBA chartership and London weighting push figures higher.
Do Part 2 architectural assistants earn well?
Part 2 assistants working towards Part 3 typically sit in the low-to-mid thirties. Practices that offer genuine Part 3 support and varied project exposure are worth prioritising over a marginally higher starting salary.