<p>I've been hearing it alot lately that it's hard to get a job starting off or that the salary just isn't sufficient. Most say that the only time I would get a chance for a good job till my fifties or so. I wanted to ask about if it's really worth it to go into architecture and and tips anyone has.</p>
<p>Job opportunities in architecture are stable to good right now. If you have a B.Arch or an M.Arch AND you have built a resume of internships and/or summer jobs, and have made the effort to make industry connections during your college years, then you can be reasonably assured that you will find a job that allows you to live comfortably.</p>
<p>Is that “sufficient?” It really depends on where you live and what your life-style expectations are. For sure architecture isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but recent graduates get by okay. Getting licensed, which takes about 4.0 years, enhances your value.</p>
<p>So yes, it’s “woth” it if you want to be an architect. If you’re not sure, look into a summer career discovery program to get a better feeling of what the career entails. </p>
<p>Architecture is one of those disciplines where a tiny handful of stars get rich & famous, and the overwhelming majority get middling income.</p>
<p>Depends on what you consider sufficient. We have a starting salary of $50k for new graduates. My son who just graduated with a four year degree got a job with a smaller firm for $40k. People in our firm with 10 to 15 years of experience are in the $80k to $110k in total compensation with the principals at twice that. I think we are comparable to most large offices but these salaries are probably higher than what you will find at smaller firms.</p>
<p>As far as waiting till you are in your 50’s to have a good job that is just old here say. We will give a new graduate as much responsibility as they are able to handle. We have folks 2 to 3 years out of school running their own jobs, we have people 10 years out of school who will never run their own job. It’s up to the effort you want to put in.</p>
<p>I just got back from the AIA national convention in Chicago. 20,000 architects in attendance. As I survey my friends we all struggle at times but we still love this profession. It is as much of a calling as a profession, you just have to decide if it is for you.</p>
<p>rick</p>
<p>Just like every other occupation, the amount of money you make depends on how good you are. Unlike other professions though getting through the schooling itself means you are a dedicated individual and do not take the work seriously, arch school is hard and time consuming. An average architect is going to be good at his job, and will be able to live comfortably. (Average according to bls is in the 73,000 range) If you are great at your job, expect to make in the early 6 digits. If you are exceptional expect the mid to late 6 digits. If you are the lucky 1% of the 1% expect millions. </p>