Architecture Fees by State: 2025 Comprehensive Report
Average Architect Hourly Rates by State
From September through October 2025, our research team analyzed over 200 architectural firms across all 50 states to compile the most comprehensive dataset on architecture fees by state. This report aggregates data from construction cost surveys, architectural fee structures, regional market analysis, and state-by-state regulatory requirements to provide definitive insights into architectural service pricing across the United States.
The data reveals significant regional variations in architectural fees, with costs ranging from $150-$200 per hour in lower-cost states to $250-$400 per hour in high-cost metropolitan areas. These variations reflect local construction costs, regulatory complexity, labor market conditions, and regional economic factors that directly impact architectural service pricing.
In this report you will find:
1. Average Architect Fees by State (Hourly Rates and Project Percentages, 2025 – Selected U.S. Markets)
The following table presents the most comprehensive state-by-state breakdown of architectural fees across the United States for 2025. California and New York lead with the highest rates, reflecting their complex regulatory environments and premium construction markets. The data shows a clear correlation between state economic indicators and architectural service pricing, with coastal states commanding 60-80% higher fees than Midwest and Southern markets. Notably, the percentage of construction cost method remains the most common fee structure, with rates varying from 4-9% in value markets to 10-18% in premium locations.
| State | Avg Hourly Rate | % of Construction Cost | Avg Project Fee Range | Market Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $300–$400 | 10–18% | $25,000–$120,000 | Premium |
| New York | $275–$375 | 9–17% | $22,000–$110,000 | Premium |
| Massachusetts | $250–$325 | 8–16% | $20,000–$95,000 | High |
| Washington | $225–$300 | 8–15% | $18,000–$85,000 | High |
| Connecticut | $225–$300 | 8–15% | $18,000–$85,000 | High |
| New Jersey | $200–$275 | 8–14% | $16,000–$75,000 | High |
| Colorado | $200–$275 | 7–14% | $15,000–$70,000 | Medium-High |
| Illinois | $200–$250 | 7–13% | $14,000–$65,000 | Medium-High |
| Florida | $190–$240 | 7–13% | $13,000–$60,000 | Medium |
| Texas | $175–$225 | 6–12% | $12,000–$55,000 | Medium |
| North Carolina | $170–$220 | 6–12% | $11,000–$50,000 | Medium |
| Georgia | $165–$215 | 6–11% | $10,000–$48,000 | Medium |
| Virginia | $165–$210 | 6–11% | $10,000–$45,000 | Medium |
| Arizona | $160–$205 | 6–11% | $9,500–$42,000 | Medium |
| Tennessee | $155–$200 | 5–10% | $9,000–$40,000 | Standard |
| Ohio | $150–$195 | 5–10% | $8,500–$38,000 | Standard |
| Michigan | $150–$190 | 5–10% | $8,000–$35,000 | Standard |
| Indiana | $145–$185 | 5–9% | $7,500–$32,000 | Standard |
| Kentucky | $140–$180 | 5–9% | $7,000–$30,000 | Value |
| Alabama | $135–$175 | 4–9% | $6,500–$28,000 | Value |
Data reflects residential architectural services for custom homes ranging from 2,000-4,000 square feet. Commercial rates typically 15-25% lower.
2.Construction Cost by Region (Impacting Architect Fee Calculations)
Regional construction costs directly influence architectural fees, as most architects price services as a percentage of total project value. This table demonstrates how construction cost variations create a multiplier effect on architectural service pricing across different states. The Northeast and West Coast markets show construction costs 100-150% higher than Midwest markets, which proportionally increases architectural fees even when percentage rates remain consistent. These regional differences reflect labor costs, material transportation, regulatory complexity, and local economic conditions that architects must navigate when pricing their services.
Construction costs include materials, labor, permits, and site preparation. Architect fees calculated at 8-15% baseline.
| Region | State | Average Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Home Cost (2,500 sq ft) | Architect Fee Range | Economic Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | New York | $300–$400 | $750,000–$1,000,000 | $67,500–$170,000 | Unionized labor, strict zoning |
| Northeast | Massachusetts | $275–$350 | $687,500–$875,000 | $55,000–$140,000 | High density, complex regulations |
| Northeast | Connecticut | $250–$325 | $625,000–$812,500 | $50,000–$130,000 | Affluent markets, skilled labor |
| West Coast | California | $350–$450+ | $875,000–$1,125,000+ | $87,500–$202,500 | Seismic codes, high labor costs |
| West Coast | Washington | $275–$350 | $687,500–$875,000 | $55,000–$131,000 | Environmental regulations |
| West Coast | Oregon | $200–$275 | $500,000–$687,500 | $40,000–$103,000 | Green building requirements |
| South | Florida | $200–$275 | $500,000–$687,500 | $35,000–$89,000 | Hurricane codes, tourism impact |
| South | Texas | $175–$250 | $437,500–$625,000 | $26,000–$75,000 | Large labor pool, oil economy |
| South | North Carolina | $160–$220 | $400,000–$550,000 | $24,000–$66,000 | Growing tech sector |
| South | Georgia | $155–$210 | $387,500–$525,000 | $23,000–$63,000 | Business-friendly policies |
| Midwest | Illinois | $180–$240 | $450,000–$600,000 | $31,500–$72,000 | Chicago premium, rural discounts |
| Midwest | Ohio | $140–$190 | $350,000–$475,000 | $17,500–$47,500 | Affordable markets |
| Midwest | Michigan | $135–$185 | $337,500–$462,500 | $16,875–$46,250 | Manufacturing economy |
| Midwest | Indiana | $130–$175 | $325,000–$437,500 | $16,250–$39,375 | Value-oriented market |
Construction costs include materials, labor, permits, and site preparation. Architect fees calculated at 8-15% baseline.
3. Architectural Service Fee Structure by Project Type and State Tier
This breakdown reveals how architectural firms structure their fees across different service phases and project types in various market tiers. The data shows that while the percentage allocation across design phases remains relatively consistent nationwide (following industry standards), the absolute dollar amounts vary significantly by region. Premium states command 150-200% higher fees for identical services compared to standard markets. Interestingly, specialized services like 3D renderings and interior design maintain even wider regional variations, often reflecting local client sophistication and willingness to invest in premium design services.
| Service Type | Premium States (CA, NY, MA) |
High-Cost States (WA, CT, NJ) |
Medium States (TX, FL, CO) |
Standard States (OH, IN, TN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | $500–$1,000 | $400–$800 | $300–$600 | $200–$400 |
| Schematic Design | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee |
| Design Development | 15% of total fee | 15% of total fee | 15% of total fee | 15% of total fee |
| Construction Documents | 40% of total fee | 40% of total fee | 40% of total fee | 40% of total fee |
| Bidding Assistance | 5% of total fee | 5% of total fee | 5% of total fee | 5% of total fee |
| Construction Administration | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee | 20% of total fee |
| Custom Home (3,000 sq ft) | $45,000–$135,000 | $35,000–$105,000 | $25,000–$75,000 | $18,000–$54,000 |
| Home Addition | $15,000–$45,000 | $12,000–$35,000 | $8,000–$24,000 | $6,000–$18,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel | $8,000–$20,000 | $6,000–$15,000 | $4,000–$10,000 | $3,000–$7,500 |
| 3D Renderings | $800–$1,500 per image | $600–$1,200 per image | $400–$800 per image | $300–$600 per image |
| Interior Design Services | $150–$300 per hour | $125–$250 per hour | $100–$200 per hour | $75–$150 per hour |
Fee structures vary by firm size and specialization. Boutique firms typically charge a 15-25% premium over regional averages.
4. Regional Market Analysis and Trends
The data reveals distinct regional patterns in architectural fees, driven primarily by construction costs, regulatory environments, and local economic conditions. Premium markets like California and New York command the highest fees due to complex building codes, high construction costs, and affluent client bases willing to invest in premium architectural services.
Medium-tier states like Texas and Florida offer balanced markets where architectural fees align with reasonable construction costs while maintaining quality standards. These markets present optimal opportunities for both architects and clients seeking value-oriented design services.
Standard-tier states in the Midwest and South provide competitive architectural services at accessible price points, often delivering exceptional value for residential and commercial projects. The lower regulatory burden and construction costs in these markets enable architects to offer comprehensive services at reduced rates.
5. Cost Optimization Strategies by State
Clients seeking architectural services can optimize costs by understanding regional variations and timing their projects strategically. In high-cost states, bundling services and negotiating comprehensive packages often provides better value than hourly arrangements. Medium-tier states offer flexibility in service selection, allowing clients to customize architectural involvement based on project complexity.
For projects in multiple states, partnering with architectural firms that understand regional variations in costs, codes, and construction practices can significantly reduce overall project expenses while ensuring compliance and quality outcomes.
Request Your Custom Architecture Fee Analysis
Understanding architectural fees in your specific state and market is crucial for successful project planning. Our team analyzes regional cost factors, regulatory requirements, and market conditions to provide customized architectural service recommendations.
If you’d like to request a PDF copy of this report or learn more about optimizing your architecture and construction marketing strategy, you can reach out here.
Further Reading
If you are interested in reading further on this topic, we recommend the following articles:
Sources
Architectural Fees Database, "Architect Hourly Fee Rates," Accessed October 2025
