What is the starting salary for Architecture graduates in Seattle?

The estimated starting salary for Architecture graduates in Seattle, WA is $69,600 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 120. The national average starting salary for this major is $58,000. Salaries in Seattle are 20% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Architecture degree worth it in Seattle?

A Architecture degree in Seattle has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.4 years, with a projected lifetime return of $455,116 after subtracting education costs. With 16 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $12,076/year, Seattle offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.1% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Architecture in Seattle?

The average annual public university tuition in Seattle is $12,076, while private universities average $49,119/year. Including room and board ($18,145/year), total 4-year costs range from $120,884 at a public school to $269,056 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Seattle is $10,675/year.

What jobs can Architecture graduates get in Seattle?

Architecture graduates in Seattle can pursue careers as Architect, Design Manager, Urban Designer, Project Architect. Key skills valued by local employers include AutoCAD, Revit, 3D Modeling, Building Codes. The Seattle job market features Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Gensler, SOM, HOK.

How long to pay off student loans for Architecture in Seattle?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Architecture graduates in Seattle would pay $1,373/month on an estimated $120,884 in loans, with $43,830 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,365/month but save $22,800 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $69,600, monthly payments would represent 24% of gross monthly income.

Architecture Degree in Seattle, WA — Salary & ROI 2026

Architecture degree analysis for Seattle, WA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$70K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$98K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.4 yrs

in Seattle

Cost of Living

120

index (100 = avg)

Architecture in Seattle, WA Overview

Seattle, Washington (pop. 737,015) has 16 colleges offering Architecture programs. The local cost of living index of 120 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,508/month. Architecture enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in AutoCAD and Revit. The adjusted starting salary in Seattle is approximately $69,600.

Architecture Salary in Seattle (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Seattle's cost of living index of 120 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$69,600(+$11,600 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$98,400(+$16,400 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$126,000(+$21,000 vs national)

Note: National average Architecture salary: $58,000 starting, $82,000 mid-career, $105,000 senior level.Seattle adjustment factor: 1.20x based on the local cost of living index.

Architecture ROI Calculator for Seattle

Estimate your return on investment for a Architecture degree using local Seattle tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $12,076 | Private avg: $49,119

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Seattle avg aid: $10,675/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$120,884

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$27,600

vs HS diploma in Seattle

ROI Payback Period

4.4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Seattle

$455,116

Lifetime earnings premium ($576,000) minus total education cost ($120,884)

Student Loan Payoff for Architecture in Seattle

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$120,884

Monthly Payment$1,373

Total Interest$43,830

% of Monthly Income24%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$120,884

Monthly Payment$2,365

Total Interest$21,030

Interest Savings$22,800

Colleges in Seattle for Architecture

University of Washington

public

$12,076/yr

$48,304 total

Seattle University

private

$51,435/yr

$205,740 total

Seattle Pacific University

private

$46,803/yr

$187,212 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Seattle Central College

$4,479/yr

Top Employers for Architecture in Seattle

Seattle offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Architecture graduates. National top employers in this field include:

GenslerSOMHOKPerkins&WillFoster + Partners

Key Seattle Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design

Design agencies

Studios

Tech companies

Advertising firms

Media companies

Common Architecture Job Titles

ArchitectDesign ManagerUrban DesignerProject Architect

Architecture in Nearby Washington Cities

Spokane, WA

$70K starting · COL 121

20 colleges

Tacoma, WA

$66K starting · COL 113

25 colleges

Vancouver, WA

$63K starting · COL 108.5

7 colleges

Bellevue, WA

$104K starting · COL 178.5

6 colleges

Kent, WA

$67K starting · COL 115.8

6 colleges

Everett, WA

$69K starting · COL 118.2

5 colleges

Renton, WA

$71K starting · COL 122.5

5 colleges

Spokane Valley, WA

$71K starting · COL 123.1

4 colleges

Other Arts & Design Majors in Seattle

UX Design

$60K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Animation & Game Design

$60K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Industrial Design

$60K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Graphic Design

$58K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Interior Design

$60K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Fashion Design

$60K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Film & Media Studies

$60K starting · 7.5 yr ROI

Fine Arts

$60K starting · 9 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Architecture degree outcomes in Seattle, WA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Architecture programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Washington.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Seattle using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Architecture graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Architecture career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Architecture grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Seattle Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Washington students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Washington)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Washington programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "washington higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Architecture Degree in Seattle — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Architecture ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Seattle.

Architecture Overview Colleges in Seattle All Majors