Employment opportunities for Architects depend on building and housing starts. Residential building permits and the value of nonresidential construction will both increase through 2003. Competition for entry-level jobs will be keen throughout this time period. Some intermediate and senior-level positions are vacated each year as experienced architects leave salaried employment to establish their own practices. As a result, Architects who have four to seven years of experience and the ability to step into intermediate or senior designer or project director positions are likely to find work more easily.
Salaries vary somewhat between geographical areas and kind of employer.
Self-employed Architects set their fees based on several conditions such as overhead expenses and competition from others. Architects just starting out may barely meet expenses. Most Architects work a normal 40 hour week, Monday through Friday. Except for small projects, plans and drawings must bear the seal of a licensed Architect. Architects who are responsible for the approval of projects plans and drawings must also be licensed.