To become an architect in the US, you typically complete a bachelor's degree in architecture, then a paid internship that generally lasts 3 years, then pass the Architect Registration Examination to get a state license. In the UK, you complete Parts 1, 2 and 3 of architectural training and register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Either way, it's a long road, and most of it happens after the degree. The training years are where people stall, so it pays to understand them before you start.
The US figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and the UK route from the National Careers Service, both read on 26 October 2026.
Architect pay and jobs in the US
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $99,280 a year, $47.73 an hour |
| Lowest 10 in every 100 earned less than | $62,300 |
| Highest 10 in every 100 earned more than | $161,420 |
| Jobs in 2025 | 124,600 |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 4%, about as fast as average |
| Openings each year | About 6,900 on average |
Those pay figures are as of October 2026, from the May 2025 BLS wage survey.
The US route to a license
- Earn a degree in architecture. Most architects take a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture. About two-thirds of states require a degree from an accredited architectural program, and many architects add a master's, which can take 1 to 5 more years.
- Complete a paid internship. Every state registration board requires graduates to complete a paid internship, generally lasting 3 years, before they can sit the exam. Most interns work at architectural firms.
- Pass the Architect Registration Examination. All states and the District of Columbia require architects to be licensed.
- Keep your license. Most states require continuing education through workshops, classes, conferences or self-study.
Start the internship clock while you're still studying
Here's the detail that saves time. BLS says architecture students who complete internships while still in school can count some of that time toward the 3-year training period. Some states also let part of the training happen with employers in related careers, such as engineers and general contractors.
So a summer or part-time internship isn't just a line on your CV. It can shorten the gap between graduating and sitting the exam. Check your own state board's rules before you rely on it, because they vary.
Where US architects work and what it pays
| Employer | Share of jobs | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural, engineering and related services | 74% | $98,440 |
| Self-employed | 14 in every 100 | Not listed |
| Construction | 4 in every 100 | $95,760 |
| Government | 3 in every 100 | $115,920 |
Government roles had the highest median of the groups BLS lists, as of October 2026. Most architects work full time, and many work extra hours around deadlines. You'll split your time between the office and construction sites.
The UK route: Parts 1, 2 and 3
In the UK, the National Careers Service sets out a five-stage path:
- A degree recognised by the ARB (Part 1)
- A year of practical work experience
- A further 2 years' full-time university course, such as a BArch, Diploma or MArch (Part 2)
- A year of practical training
- A final qualifying exam (Part 3), then ARB registration
You'll need a portfolio of sketches, photographs and models for degree interviews. There's also an apprenticeship route: an Architectural Assistant Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship for Part 1, then an Architect Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship for Parts 2 and 3. Each can take up to 4 years. If you already work in a practice, RIBA Studio lets you study Parts 1 and 2 with mentoring in the office.
The National Careers Service gives UK salaries of £31,000 a year for starters and £58,000 for experienced architects, as of October 2026, with typical hours of 35 to 40 a week.
Tools you'll use in practice
Design work now leans heavily on computer-aided design and building information modelling. Our round-up of AI tools for architects shows where software is speeding up early design, and this guide to project management software for architects covers the side of the job that keeps projects on time.
Moving up
In the US, some architects advance to architectural and engineering manager after many years of experience. In the UK, you could become a principal architect or partner, work freelance, set up your own practice or specialise in commercial, residential or interior work.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
My verdict
Architecture is a strong career if you're ready for the long game. In the US, the degree is only the start: the internship and licensing exam take years, so begin internships while you're still studying and check what your state board will count. In the UK, the apprenticeship route lets you earn while you work through Parts 1 to 3. Plan the training years as carefully as the degree, because that's where the career is really won.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an architect?
In the US, most people take a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture and then a paid internship that generally lasts 3 years before the licensing exam. In the UK, you complete Parts 1, 2 and 3, including two years of practical experience.
Do architects need a license?
Yes. All US states and the District of Columbia require architects to be licensed. In the UK, you'll need to register with the Architects Registration Board.
How much do architects make?
BLS reports a median of $99,280 a year in May 2025. In the UK, the National Careers Service gives £31,000 for starters and £58,000 for experienced architects, as of October 2026.
Can internships during school count toward licensing?
BLS says students who complete internships while still in school can count some of that time toward the 3-year training period.
Is there an architecture apprenticeship in the UK?
Yes. An Architectural Assistant Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship covers Part 1, and an Architect Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship covers Parts 2 and 3.
What is the job outlook for architects?
BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 6,900 openings a year.
Do architects need a portfolio?
In the UK, you'll need a portfolio of your work, such as hand-drawn sketches, photographs and models, when you're interviewed for degree courses.
Do architects have to keep studying after they qualify?
Most US states require continuing education to keep a license, through workshops, university classes, conferences or self-study courses.
