Architecture and interior design salaries in Austin

Explore the salary landscape within Austin's architecture and interior design industry.

Uncover the range of benefits companies are offering in 2024, including what separates a standard benefits package from an outstanding one.

Architecture and interior design salaries in Austin

Market snapshot: Texas 2024

Continued steady growth in the economy is fuelling a strong architecture and design market in Texas where an increase in the population has increased the need for housing, education, transport and healthcare. However, higher interest rates and inflation have resulted in some lay-offs particularly in firms focusing on developer, multi-family and mixed-use work. The uncertainty around ‘return to office’ has meant some firms focusing on commercial workplace have seen a slight decline in workload.

Many mid-sized to large firms are hiring, particularly those focusing on education, aviation and healthcare. Project management and project architects are in high demand. Larger firms looking to diversify their work type are seeking experienced talent while candidates with generalist experience have fewer options. More architects and designers than ever are relocating to Texas.

  • The competition for talent is fierce, with several national and global firms opening offices – most candidates have several opportunities running at once.
  • Those companies streamlining their hiring process, making it less than two weeks from receiving the resume to extending an offer, have more success.
  • Most firms are still operating on a hybrid model of 3 or 4 days in the office.
  • Some smaller firms are using increased flexibility to compete with larger firms that may offer a higher salary but less flexibility.
  • Many firms are hiring candidates in their marketing and business development teams.
  • Revit skills continue to be in demand.

Salaries

Job titles with an * beside them typically have commission or bonus on top of the outlined base salary.

Architecture

Job title$ Low$ Average$ High
Architect (0-3 years) 56,000 69,000 77,000
Architect (3-6 years) 73,000 87,000 96,000
Architect (6-9 years) 94,000 104,000 117,000
Senior Architect (10+ yrs) 103,000 120,000 133,000
Project Designer 90,000 98,000 112,000
Senior Project Designer 114,000 124,000 135,000
Project Manager (8-12 yrs) 112,000 128,000 138,000
Senior Project Manager (10+ yrs) 122,000 138,000 153,000
BIM Coordinator 73,000 80,000 88,000
BIM Manager 87,000 96,000 107,000
Studio Director 107,000 117,000 122,000
Managing Principal 143,000 179,000 224,000
CEO/President 168,000 204,000 275,000

Interior Design

Job title$ Low$ Average$ High
Interior Architect (0-3 yrs) 51,000 57,000 66,000
Interior Architect (4-7 yrs) 61,000 77,000 102,000
Interior Architect (8+ yrs) 79,000 92,000 117,000
Interior Designer (0-3 yrs) 53,000 61,000 71,000
Interior Designer (4-7 yrs) 66,000 80,000 92,000
Interior Designer (8-11+ yrs) 80,000 102,000 117,000
Interior Designer (12 yrs+ ) 112,000 120,000 141,000
Project Manager 77,000 94,000 122,000
FF&E Specialist 80,000 85,000 97,000
Director of Design 107,000 124,000 204,000
Principal 133,000 184,000 235,000

Business Support

Job title$ Low$ Average$ High
Bookkeeper 56,000 67,000 84,000
Executive Assistant/PA 58,000 69,000 82,000
Studio/Office Manager 66,000 79,000 97,000
HR Manager 87,000 98,000 120,000
Operations Manager 77,000 94,000 107,000
Operations Director 102,000 122,000 133,000
Financial Director/CFO 107,000 133,000 168,000
Visualiser/Graphic Designer 66,000 73,000 87,000
Marketing Assistant/Coordinator 60,000 66,000 73,000
Marketing Manager 82,000 92,000 102,000
Marketing Director 97,000 103,000 163,000
Business Development Manager 87,000 97,000 122,000
Business Development Director 112,000 126,000 194,000

Architectural & Interior Products

Job title$ Low$ Average$ High
Showroom Sales 53,000 56,000 63,000
Showroom Manager 66,000 71,000 87,000
Project Manager 77,000 92,000 117,000
Project Coordinator 53,000 59,000 66,000
Outside Sales Rep* 51,000 61,000 71,000
Senior Outside Sales Rep* 69,000 77,000 107,000
Regional Sales Manager* 82,000 94,000 117,000
National Sales Manager 92,000 107,000 133,000
Kitchen/Bathroom Designer 56,000 61,000 71,000
Designer 66,000 82,000 97,000
Design Manager 112,000 128,000 143,000

Landscape Architecture

Job title$ Low$ Average$ High
Landscape Designer (0-5 yrs) 53,000 61,000 77,000
Landscape Architect (5-10 yrs) 66,000 84,000 94,000
Senior Landscape Architect (10+ yrs) 89,000 102,000 124,000

Download

2024 A&D Salary Guide

Benefits

Health & Wellbeing

BenefitStandardEnhancedOutstanding
Medical coverage 75% firm/25% emp. contrib. 80% coverage 100% coverage (dependents inc.)
Dental/vision Plan offered (no contrib.) 100% coverage 100% coverage (dependents inc.)
Healthcare flexible spending account (HSA)
Long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Wellness program
Fitness club discount
Pet insurance

Career Development

BenefitStandardEnhancedOutstanding
Professional exam costs Partial reimbursement PTO & reimbursement
Membership and licensure fees Some costs covered Paid annual dues
Professional development program

Work-Life Balance

BenefitStandardEnhancedOutstanding
Paid time off (vacation, holidays and sick leave) 25 days 28 days 39+ days
Hybrid working 2 days p/w 3-4 days p/w Full hybrid
Commuter benefits program
Summer hours program
Extended parental leave

Workplace Perks

BenefitStandardEnhancedOutstanding
Phone/laptop provided
Paid charity/volunteer day

Financial Benefits

BenefitStandardEnhancedOutstanding
Retirement Savings Plan Plan offered (no contrib.) 2-4% matching contrib. 5-8% matching contrib.
Discretionary bonus
Annual profit share/bonus

Download

2024 A&D Salary Guide

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