Working as an Architect

WorkBC shows this as a high opportunity occupation. There are approximately 3,000 architects in British Columbia. The majority (84%) are employed in the Mainland/Southwest region of the province.

The largest architecture sector is non-residential (projects such as hospitals, schools, retail buildings, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings). The second largest sector is residential construction, especially multi-family units.

Job Outlook in BC 

Image

Chart from WorkBC

Work BC provides job openings in BC regions from 2022-2032:

You can learn more about working as an architect in BC from:

Most architects work for architectural firms and building contractors, but you may also work for government agencies and real estate companies.  You may also be self-employed.

The median annual salary for architects in BC is $82,131. There is a huge range in incomes. If you work as an intern after graduation from an architecture program you generally earn between $45,000 and $70,000 a year. After completing this training period your annual salary is between $60,000 and $125,000, although some make more than this. The highest incomes are earned by architects who are the principal architects at a firm, or who become partners in large firms. 

However, all architect salaries depend on the economy. Because you are often paid by the project, a slow-down in construction generally means lower earnings. 

Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising

Job Bank Canada provides hourly wages for Architects in BC regions:

Image

Source: Job Bank Wage Report

Working Hours

Working hours vary greatly. Some architects work 7 to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week; others might work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.  If you are self-employed, your hours depend on how much business you have.  

Source: Career Cruising