Architecture Salaries in San Antonio (Houston, Dallas: real estate, mortgage, salary)

[GJAA]

I apologize for such a narrow topic.

I'm coming down in a couple of weeks for some interviews and was curious if any of you know how the salaries compare for architecture in San Antonio. According to reports I have read, Dallas and Houston pay higher than the national average. Does SA also reflect this? I just don't have any basis to negotiate with.

I have 3+ years exp.
BA in Architecture
MArch
LEED certified
IDP completed (I have not sat for any licensing exams yet).

Any ideas at all of what I should expect?

Thanks to anyone who can tackle this one.

[sinsativ]

I have friends who are architects in Houston, and my stepdaughter is graduating from UTSA, Houston and Dallas pay, SA, no way,

[Montirob]

Originally Posted by GJAA

I apologize for such a narrow topic.

According to reports I have read, Dallas and Houston pay higher than the national average. Does SA also reflect this?

Any ideas at all of what I should expect?

Unfortunately, San Antonio's pay is much lower than Dallas or Houston. In fact, I find that salary.com seems fairly accurate - look at Architect II (though they don't quite understand the whole getting-registered-before-calling-yourself-an-architect rule). You may also try calling the San Antonio office of the AIA. Compensation, of course, will vary from firm to firm and depend on your particular skills/portfolio. I am noticing, however, that Leed and Revit knowledge are becoming valuable. I see you have one... if you have the other, I would mention it - especially at the larger firms.

Good luck.

[wCat]

Commercial or Residential?

Your qualifications look good for a decent salary, but the design/build industry is hurting everywhere right now. Start ups are being put on hold with all the mortgage mess.

I have to agree that Dallas and Houston would pay better .....although cost of living and real estate is more affordable here. It's a trade off. Chances are, however that the design market is still more active in Dallas, Houston...and don't forget Austin.

Good local companies....RVK, Lake-Flato, Insite Architects all commercial....Kenneth Graves...residential and mixed use. That's just for starters....a lot of good talent here.

I agree to check with the local AIA. Your LEED qualifications would be a huge plus here. We need it!

[jsearcher]

As for some numbers:
San Antonio:
50th percentile is about 55K. With your qualifications you'd easily be better than 50th percentile . 90th percentile is 70K.