Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Business
Architect Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for architect in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Architect in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Architects
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$95,620 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#22 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Architect licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Board of Architects and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $95,620, Architects in Colorado earn 1% below the national median of $96,690. Colorado ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$95,620Hourly estimate
$45.971% below national median
Difference: -$1,070
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationArchitect Salary Ranking
#22 of 50 statesfor Architect median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wyoming | $107,040 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $106,950 |
| #3 | California | $105,840 |
| #4 | Alaska | $105,340 |
| #5 | Connecticut | $105,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
Architect licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $95,620 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $107,040 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $86,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $82,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $83,270 | No educational requirements | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $77,070 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $97,470 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $81,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Oklahoma | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Mexico | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Architects
1560 Broadway Ste 1300, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947801
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $54,920 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $90,030 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $99,590 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $75,120 | Degree required | 18 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Architect in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Architects in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Architects.
What education do you need to become a Architect in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Architect licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Architect salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Architects in Colorado is $95,620. Salaries range from $62,760 (10th percentile) to $161,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Architect salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Architects in Colorado earn 1% below the national median of $96,690, with a state median of $95,620.
How many Architects work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 4,010 Architects according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Architect license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Architects in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Architects. Review agency details at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/licenses-and-permits-0.
How often do you renew a Architect license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.