This week I'll discuss how much money an architect makes and the job growth. An architect makes an annual income of about 73,xxx. Sounds like a nice paycheck to me. But you have to remember that's with being in the business for many years. An entry level architect will only be making around 40,xxx a year. Then again, it all depends on your location and experience levels.
Another thing I would like to discuss this week, is the job outlook. The average job growth is around 14% for most jobs. The predicted growth rate for architect is 24%. This means that it is growing faster than average. Say we hit another recession though, people won't be needing anything built, and it may go right back down.
There are currently around 110,xxx architects employed and we're just coming out of a recession. Basically the better you are the greater chance of getting and keeping a job as an architect will be. Also, the better the paycheck will be :)
If you want to become an architect be prepared, it requires a lot of schooling. You will need a Bachelors of Architecture degree. Which is a five year program instead of the traditional four years of most degrees. Here, is a link to the top architecture schools in the US.
When you finish school you will be expected to do an internship which serves as a training period. Usually lasting three years. When then training period is over, you may then go for your license exam. Architect Registration Examination is the test you will be sitting for.
After getting your license you are officially a licensed architect. Before you get licensed you may become certified. A certification could make it easier to become licensed. After receiving your license, you are not done there. To keep a license will require continuous education.
Before I start explaining how to become an Architect, I will first mention who they are.
Architects are responsible for designing the plans to build buildings. They can design anything from a house to a large hospital, and anything in between.
An Architect starts with an idea and then draws it on paper. By projecting the idea onto paper they have then created floor plans of the building. The floor plan then as to be approved. Someone, such as the owner of the house being built, will approve it. It is not as simple as it seems, it may takes months to get correct. They also have to be aware of anything hazardous to the way it could be built.
After the floor plans are approved the Architect doesn't stop there. They keep visiting the job site to make sure the building is build correctly. When its done being built they can relax. Many Architects are involved with more than one building at a time. Architecture can be a very time consuming career.
Another thing I would like to discuss this week, is the job outlook. The average job growth is around 14% for most jobs. The predicted growth rate for architect is 24%. This means that it is growing faster than average. Say we hit another recession though, people won't be needing anything built, and it may go right back down. 
