ArchitectureUpdated Q1 2026

Architect Salary
in Cary, NC

Design buildings and structures, manage projects, and oversee construction. Median salary in Cary: $106K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$106K
per year
Take-home: $70K

Salary range in Cary

Entry level (25th)$81,000
Median (50th)$106,000
Senior (75th)$143,000
Top earner (90th)$188,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Cary, North Carolina.

Key facts for Cary

Median salary
$106K
annual
Take-home pay
$70K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cary Architect to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $106K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Cary

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Architect salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$89K$97K$105K$112K$120K201920212023202520272029
2026
$109K
projected
2027
$111K
projected
2028
$114K
projected
2029
$117K
projected
2030
$120K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$106,000+$0
2028 projected$106,000+$0
2029 projected$106,000+$0
2030 projected$106,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates β€” unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Architect Salary in Cary, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Architect salary in Cary, NC is $106,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cary–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Architect in Cary

Entry-level Architects in Cary with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $81,000 and $106,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $106,000 to $143,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $143,000 to $188,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cary for Architects

Cary has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Cary are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Architect

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture; AIA license. 35% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Architect salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cary (current)$106K112
Charlotte$95K100
Raleigh$100K102
Greensboro$84K88
Durham$100K100
Winston-Salem$81K85