Wages Question - Architecture (Colorado Springs: 2010, credit, construction)

[GJAA]

I apologize for the pretty specific topic.

My wife, 2 young daughters and I are looking to possibly relocate to Colorado Springs from the Pacific NW (Portland).

I am in architecture (not quite licensed so i can't be called an architect yet)... I have a B.A. in Architecture and a Master's of Architecture degree. I am LEED ceritified and have completed all NCARB IDP credits. I basically just need to take and pass my exams to be licensed. When we move I will have over 3 years of experience in architecture specific.. and 5+ years in construction.

In Portland, Seattle, and other cities here in the NW... an intern basically makes between $15 and $20 per/hour with an Architect I (3-5 years exp.) making between $18 and $25/hour.... According to job reports... the NW pays significanty lower than most of the nation... sad, but true especially compared to our astrinomical cost of living.

Basically my question is; What can I expect for salaries in Colorado Springs? What is the market like there, i.e. is work steady (assuming there is any work at all)?

Are there any architects/engineers out there that can help me with this?

THANKS

[bashep]

Hey there-

I am not sure personally, but I have a friend that is an architect here and I have emailed him the same question. I think he will have some great advice for you. He is a former poster on this website, he and his wife moved here so he could work for a architect firm. I will let you know what he says. keep looking back.

[bashep]

Got the answer for you! Here you go! I hope this helps.

It depends on how long he’s been licensed. If he’s newly licensed and has some experience, it’s around 50K. If longer, it depends on how many years and what kind of experience he has in the field; project manager, etc. But 50-70K is probably a round figure you can give him. The American Institute of Architects has a salary survey he can use, too. It’s not free, though, and would require him to inquire from AIA directly.

[archkt2010]

If you want to make more money, do not say that you are LEED certified. Your employers may question if you know what you are talking about considering buildings are certified and professionals are accredited. LEED-AP stands for LEED-Accredited Professional.

[Mitchum Carmex]

Originally Posted by archkt2010

If you want to make more money, do not say that you are LEED certified. Your employers may question if you know what you are talking about considering buildings are certified and professionals are accredited. LEED-AP stands for LEED-Accredited Professional.

While you are completely right in that the often used nomenclature indicates that buildings get certified and people are accredited, my LEED AP certificate clearly states that the USGBC certifies me as a LEED accredited professional.

That being said, when someone states that they are LEED certified, it makes me question what exactly they are referring to.

[SheridanL]

Noahma,....where are you??