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125mph
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 Posted: Wed Dec 7th, 2005 09:19 pm

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artichoke wrote: you make it sound so easy to get either a arch license or P.E. . sorry, but  your whimsical intents prove how uninformed you are about the two professions.  they couldn't be more different.  and as far as " relatives" making 100k / in a 20 hr week, do you really believe that ?  maybe as a principal or senior assoc, but you state it so " matter of fact. "

if you do make that kind of money in software, stick with it cause you most likely won't make that much in architecture, working in an office or on your own...sorry.:D



125mph wrote:
VANCE wrote: 125-what do you make?

Well I'm not an architect. I was considering getting a license to make drawings for my parent and family's business. But california has recently made it harder to get a licence through work experience so I probably not going to go that route.. probably get a P.E. lic instead.

I know my relatives make over 100k working about 20 hours a week in their architect company, but they get jobs through my dads construction company and other construction partnerships.

To answer your question though, I'm 26 yrs old making 110k annual as a software developer.


 

Hmm I never said a P.E. or arch license were the same or close to the same, but a P.E. license would allow me to make drawings for simple construction projects which is all I really need. As to how easy it is to get.. I'm positive I could pass all ARE tests if eligible, and am positive I could be eligible if I really wanted... Additionally I'm positive I could pass the EIT test and PE civil test, so why wouldn't I be able to get the P.E. license at the very least?

As to the money question... You get paid for the quality of work you do. If you are great and only getting 40k, then you better change jobs or work on your own. Why work for 40k when you can work on your own, set your own hours, etc. If I were going to spend 10+ years of my life getting a masters degree, interning, taking 9+ tests and make 40k I would have changed professions. I have no reason to lie about my relatives income.

artichoke
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 Posted: Wed Dec 7th, 2005 09:53 pm

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" simple construction projects "  is all that you'll do with a P.E.  If you want to get beyond the novelty of design, become an architect.  why not if you're so sure you can pass the ARE so easily! ?  seriously take the arrogance down a notch. this is an intern / architect's forum and we all know that is is NOT easy to become an architect.  aren't you the same " 125 " that started a thread some time ago stating that you wanted " to become an architect for fun or a side job " ??  architecture is not an easily accessible profession for the simple reason that we don't need hacks or frustrated wanna be architects. i think vance already covered this, but it is a matter of public safety.  and as far as your comments about a licensed arch making 40 k, you better check your information.  sure some people may have claimed that they make 40 k, but were they licensed...? doubt it.



125mph wrote:
artichoke wrote: you make it sound so easy to get either a arch license or P.E. . sorry, but  your whimsical intents prove how uninformed you are about the two professions.  they couldn't be more different.  and as far as " relatives" making 100k / in a 20 hr week, do you really believe that ?  maybe as a principal or senior assoc, but you state it so " matter of fact. "

if you do make that kind of money in software, stick with it cause you most likely won't make that much in architecture, working in an office or on your own...sorry.:D



125mph wrote:
VANCE wrote: 125-what do you make?

Well I'm not an architect. I was considering getting a license to make drawings for my parent and family's business. But california has recently made it harder to get a licence through work experience so I probably not going to go that route.. probably get a P.E. lic instead.

I know my relatives make over 100k working about 20 hours a week in their architect company, but they get jobs through my dads construction company and other construction partnerships.

To answer your question though, I'm 26 yrs old making 110k annual as a software developer.


 

Hmm I never said a P.E. or arch license were the same or close to the same, but a P.E. license would allow me to make drawings for simple construction projects which is all I really need. As to how easy it is to get.. I'm positive I could pass all ARE tests if eligible, and am positive I could be eligible if I really wanted... Additionally I'm positive I could pass the EIT test and PE civil test, so why wouldn't I be able to get the P.E. license at the very least?

As to the money question... You get paid for the quality of work you do. If you are great and only getting 40k, then you better change jobs or work on your own. Why work for 40k when you can work on your own, set your own hours, etc. If I were going to spend 10+ years of my life getting a masters degree, interning, taking 9+ tests and make 40k I would have changed professions. I have no reason to lie about my relatives income.

125mph
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 Posted: Wed Dec 7th, 2005 10:15 pm

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artichoke wrote: " simple construction projects "  is all that you'll do with a P.E.  If you want to get beyond the novelty of design, become an architect.  why not if you're so sure you can pass the ARE so easily! ? 
Why not? Well easy is one thing, time concerns are another. And as you mentioned, no one is getting paid the big bucks being an architect. Since I'm planning to just draw buildings on my free time, I might as well just get a P.E. since that route is much faster. I could just draw the plans and work under the family business license but I would like my own.

Again, I'm not planning to draw complex structures and big malls and stuff.. We do simple 2 story homes, 2000 sf and the likes. I'm not trying to architect a big mall or anything. Sorry if I sounded arrogant :P

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 Posted: Tue Jan 3rd, 2006 07:09 pm

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Back to salary...

I got my undergraduate degree in Architecture in Spring '05 and am working at a large AE firm in Denver, making 40k + health + 401k

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 Posted: Tue Jan 3rd, 2006 09:52 pm

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Graduated '99 w/ B.Arch, currently taking ARE, same firm summer 98, and since graduation.  Started at $25k, got great raises every 6 months until summer 2002, shortly after we hired several new people, but the economy quickly tanked in this area...since then, no raises, but perks keep coming, and he's been trying with bigger bonuses.  I'm currently managing projects at $46k, $1500 Christmas bonus, plus about $7k per year into an IRA, plus full health since 2003, 2 weeks vacation, paid cell phone, paid exams, paid IDP, NCARB, etc.  He's also very flexible about time off.  Small, but high-end residential firm, mid-west.  I bill at $65-85 an hour, depending on my involvment on the project.  Low cost of living and generous parents have helped.  3 years without a raise have been tough, but he has recently taken me aside and promised something soon.  I will check back with results. 

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 Posted: Sat Jan 7th, 2006 01:19 pm

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Work for State of Florida, current salary $57,000. Completed the ARE 12/6/05 raise w/license $10,500

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 Posted: Sat Jan 7th, 2006 04:49 pm

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Boston, 12 person firm

started right out of grad school 11 years ago, $27,000 no benefits

 

today:

$59,000 base

+/- $3000 bonuses

disability insurance

half medical insurance

full dental insurance

matching IRA contributions (3%)

 

told I will be getting a 10% raise when I get my license - ONE MORE EXAM!

 

 

 

Nanner
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 Posted: Mon Jan 9th, 2006 02:23 pm

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This is a great thread--I haven't been to this board very often since I passed my last exam last summer...but now that I think about it, I should probably check in more often to give advice & support to those of you still taking those tests.

My last job, which I recently left, was at a large architecture firm in Boston. Was there for just a year; making about $52k w/ a good benefits package; got a 3% raise right after I got registered and was not sure if that was for getting registered or not. I didn't stick around long enough to find out if I was also going to get a raise at the end of the year.

I'm sort of kicking myself for not flat-out asking for a bigger raise when I got licensed, but at that point I was not too happy working there, and jumped ship a few months later. :dude:

I'm interviewing now at much smaller firms and even at non-architectural places where I can focus on my "specialty". With 8 years of experience, licensure and a B. Arch, would I be nuts to ask for, say, 56-60k???


artichoke
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 Posted: Mon Jan 9th, 2006 03:52 pm

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knowing your specialty would help us comment on your expected salary....soooo ?

Nanner wrote: This is a great thread--I haven't been to this board very often since I passed my last exam last summer...but now that I think about it, I should probably check in more often to give advice & support to those of you still taking those tests.

My last job, which I recently left, was at a large architecture firm in Boston. Was there for just a year; making about $52k w/ a good benefits package; got a 3% raise right after I got registered and was not sure if that was for getting registered or not. I didn't stick around long enough to find out if I was also going to get a raise at the end of the year.

I'm sort of kicking myself for not flat-out asking for a bigger raise when I got licensed, but at that point I was not too happy working there, and jumped ship a few months later. :dude:

I'm interviewing now at much smaller firms and even at non-architectural places where I can focus on my "specialty". With 8 years of experience, licensure and a B. Arch, would I be nuts to ask for, say, 56-60k???


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 Posted: Mon Jan 9th, 2006 10:04 pm

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My specialty is sustainable design; been working heavily with LEED since '01 and I love that aspect of my work. I'm also quick like a bunny (and smart) on CAD, but I don't really want to do that full-time any more. Probably by now I could try to pursue a job capt. position or project architect...but if it doesn't have to do with sustainable design, I don't really want to do it.  :P

Just being honest, not arrogant; I want to be happy with my next position!

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 Posted: Tue Jan 10th, 2006 09:01 pm

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all the power to ya bro.
though i think your selling yourself short with an asked salary less than 60k and having the experience you do.

good luck

Nanner wrote: My specialty is sustainable design; been working heavily with LEED since '01 and I love that aspect of my work. I'm also quick like a bunny (and smart) on CAD, but I don't really want to do that full-time any more. Probably by now I could try to pursue a job capt. position or project architect...but if it doesn't have to do with sustainable design, I don't really want to do it.  :P

Just being honest, not arrogant; I want to be happy with my next position!

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 Posted: Tue Jan 10th, 2006 10:55 pm

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Thanks for the support, Artichoke.

(btw, Nanner is a grrrrrl :D)

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 Posted: Wed Jan 11th, 2006 06:59 pm

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Hillier Architects-- offices in NY and NJ -- seems to pay well and is currently hiring. (Haven't paid bonuses recently though.)

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 Posted: Sat Jan 28th, 2006 08:59 pm

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MARCH 2001


JOB #1 (2001-2002)

2001:$44000, 2002: $45000

JOB#2 (2003-2005)

2003:$43500, 2004:$45000, 2005:$46500

JOB#3 (2006-present)

2006:$49000

 

Last edited on Sat Jan 28th, 2006 09:13 pm by chicago-monkey

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 Posted: Wed Feb 1st, 2006 03:00 am

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3 years experience.
Bachelor and Masters in Architecture
Working towards Lisence

Small Firm (2 persons) in Boulder, ***
No Benefits

Currently $35,000 + profit sharing. Will be getting 5-7% raise this year (2006)

Seems like I am at the low end of the scale.

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 Posted: Fri Feb 10th, 2006 06:49 pm

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Upper midwest locations (ND, SD, MN)

While in school $9-10/hr ( 3 different offices to see what I liked)

B- Arch 2004 (same office since, 10-20 employees)

2004-$32,000

2005- 3% raise ($32,900)

2006-6-7% raise ($35,000) + $2,500 bonus so far

will finish IDP in August, office will cover 1/2 cost of ARE tests

 

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 Posted: Sat Mar 18th, 2006 06:33 pm

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This is a great thread.  We Def. need more information on compensation for the architecture profession!

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 Posted: Wed Mar 29th, 2006 10:49 pm

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Atlanta, GA

2001-BS in Architecture (4yr)
I'll be done with 5yr. prof. BArch degree in Spring 2007

IDP is basically done.

2000-2001: Kitchen/bath designs, did cad work  $15/hr. no benefits or bonuses.
2001-2003:  cad/3d work, produced CDs  $35K/yr. + health insurance

2004:Intern Arch. for 45+ person firm (AT) $37,500 + health + dental + $1K bonus + $7K in OT (1.5x)
2005: same firm but (AT) $39,800 + health + dental + $2K bonus + $9K in OT

2006:  I'm still here, BUT, I have a salary question.  I have been offered a jump from my junior level position to senior staff as a CAD manager who will continue to do project work on the side when the CAD managing gets slow.  This is a 45 person firm and our "cad standards" are non-existent as of now.  This position will involve enforement of standards as well as managing licenses and training new staff.  Lots of new responsibility.

How much should I be making for this senior level position?  I need suggestions ASAP, as I will be discussing these numbers tomorrow!

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 Posted: Wed Mar 29th, 2006 11:49 pm

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$60,000.  You need to start with that to get what it is worth-$55,000. 

If there is no overtime and this will be salary, $65,000- settle for $60,000.

 

 

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 Posted: Fri Mar 31st, 2006 01:59 am

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J0HN GALT wrote:
How much should I be making for this senior level position?  I need suggestions ASAP, as I will be discussing these numbers tomorrow!
Well? how did it go?  Did you talk$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$?

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 Posted: Fri Mar 31st, 2006 03:06 am

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We didn't talk about money yet, we just talked more about the position/responsibilities.   It probably won't happen until after Monday, when he meets with the partners.  I'm in no hurry, I guess.  I'll keep you posted and thanks a bunch for those numbers.

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 Posted: Thu Apr 6th, 2006 04:25 pm

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We still have yet to talk about $$$, but I think it will come up soon.  We are supposed to meet again to discuss "details" of the position.  All of the partners are on board, and have given the president the ok to continue pursuing me for the position. 

I'm thinking I want to keep the 1.5x OT for sure, or get paid 7-10K more in salary.  Right now, OT accounts for a huge chunk of my annual income.  I'm thinking $60K with 1.5x OT or $65-67K without OT.  Having to juggle cad management AND some project responsibilities will be a pain, and I think I should be compensated accordingly for it.

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 Posted: Fri Apr 7th, 2006 10:04 pm

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just to let you know: cad management will pretty much be your only responsibility; any architecture work, if any, will probably be limited to drafting.  just reminding you to be prepared for your new career.  once people start complaining and asking for help; it will never end.

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 Posted: Sun Apr 9th, 2006 06:45 pm

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guest6 wrote: just to let you know: cad management will pretty much be your only responsibility; any architecture work, if any, will probably be limited to drafting.  just reminding you to be prepared for your new career.  once people start complaining and asking for help; it will never end.Galt- if you take the new job as CADD Manager and you truly enjoy it, much more money is in your future than the traditional arch role.  But as the Guest6 pointed out, the mind numbing questions of cadd stupid humans may make you want to napalm the office.

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 Posted: Thu Jul 20th, 2006 11:51 pm

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MArch 2001

Starting salary in 2001: $33,000 (plus bonuses)

2003: Started at new firm with salary of $40,000

2006: Currently at $48,000 in a 130-person firm at Sr. Job Captain /Jr. PM level

I am taking the AREs now, and do not know if I will get an increase when I receive registration....but hopefully!

By the way, I hear a lot of these kids just out of school with no experience are asking for a starting salary of $50K!!!  Am I underpaid or are they incredibly naive??:shock:

I was nervous about asking for mid-thirties with a Master's degree five years ago...

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 Posted: Fri Jul 21st, 2006 01:27 am

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undergrad 98-1st arch job 9.50 an hour

raise after 6mo to amazing 24k a yr

5k bonus 1st yr

back to grad school after 2 yrs work...

after grad 2002 back to same firm at 30k a yr awesome quality of life

got licensed

2005 left firm went to corporate megafirm 2004- 2k signing bonus and 55k salary

-hated it!!!!!   old boss called me back

2006 55k and loving life!!! plus 8-10k on the side

but all that to say....money isn't everything!  besides my wife makes double my salary! ha ha

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 Posted: Wed Jul 26th, 2006 09:59 pm

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Just finished the ARE and am getting ready to renegotiate...

Small firm in *** Springs, CO - 15 total, 7 licensed architects, 1 interior designer, 1 planner, 2 clerical, 1 intern (me) and 3 draftsmen.

5 year BARCH - unfortunately am a Cad Monkey Autodesk 7 - photoshop savy - learning the ways of out server as well.

39k year including health, and retirement yet after taxes, I pull in a whopping 30K ouch!  Was getting billed out around 55 per hour and know that architects are getting billed out around 85 per hour.  Trying to renegotiate for around 54k to 56k but we'll see...

I love the firm I am with though.  Great people, great designers - fantastic work environment.

Whoot

Last edited on Wed Jul 26th, 2006 10:01 pm by Whoot

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 Posted: Wed Jul 26th, 2006 10:17 pm

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How many years of experience?

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 Posted: Wed Jul 26th, 2006 10:47 pm

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this august will be 6 years out of school however, i'd say that my experience practicing being an architect has only been about 3 1/2 since most of my earlier work was drafting...

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 Posted: Wed Jul 26th, 2006 11:29 pm

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then 54k is about right

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