Architect Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Engineering · COL Index: 107.3
$79,240
Median Salary
$90,270
Mean Salary
$73,849
COL-Adjusted
4,920
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $58,840 | $54,837 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,870 | $65,116 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $79,240 | $73,849 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,380 | $94,483 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $126,470 | $117,866 |
What Drives the Range
The $67,630 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Architect positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $79,240 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $73,849 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.