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Architect Licensing in Pennsylvania

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for architect in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Architect in Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Architects Licensure Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $95,640 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #21 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Architect licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Architects Licensure Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of $95,640, Architects in Pennsylvania earn 1% below the national median of $96,690. Pennsylvania ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,364

Median annual salary

$95,640

Hourly estimate

$45.98
1% below national median

Difference: -$1,050

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$56,380
  • P2525th percentile$71,520
  • P50Median$95,640
  • P7575th percentile$111,870
  • P9090th percentile$153,800

State vs National Median

State: $95,640
National: $96,690

Total employment: 4,140 | Annual openings: N/A

Architect Salary Ranking

#21 of 50 statesfor Architect median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Wyoming$107,040
#2Rhode Island$106,950
#3California$105,840
#4Alaska$105,340
#5Connecticut$105,200

Nearby States Comparison

Architect licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Pennsylvania$95,640Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$98,580Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$97,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Delaware$97,570Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$99,210Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$86,530Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$97,130Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New York68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Delaware68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia68MediumState-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 State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Architects Licensure Board

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649

Phone: 7177833397

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Pennsylvania

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audio and Video Technicians$57,450Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$77,330Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$92,460Degree requiredVaries by board
Claims Adjuster$77,750No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Architect in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Architects.

What education do you need to become a Architect in Pennsylvania?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Architect licensure in Pennsylvania.

What is the typical Architect salary in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for Architects in Pennsylvania is $95,640. Salaries range from $56,380 (10th percentile) to $153,800 (90th percentile).

How does the Architect salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

Architects in Pennsylvania earn 1% below the national median of $96,690, with a state median of $95,640.

How many Architects work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs approximately 4,140 Architects according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Architect license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Architects Licensure Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Architects/Pages/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Architect license in Pennsylvania?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.