ArchitectureUpdated Q1 2026

Architect Salary
in Aurora, CO

Design buildings and structures, manage projects, and oversee construction. Median salary in Aurora: $100K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$100K
per year
Take-home: $66K

Salary range in Aurora

Entry level (25th)$76,000
Median (50th)$100,000
Senior (75th)$134,000
Top earner (90th)$176,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Aurora, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Aurora

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

5% premium vs national median

Architects in Aurora earn approximately 5% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $5,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Aurora's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Aurora's cost-of-living index (112), the median Architect salary buys the equivalent of $89,286 in a US-average-cost city. That's $5,714 less purchasing power than the national median β€” the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Rent eats 30% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Aurora ($1,650/mo) consumes approximately 30% of an after-tax median Architect salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($134K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Aurora

Median salary
$100K
annual
Take-home pay
$66K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,650
per month
YoY growth
+4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Aurora Architect to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $100K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Aurora

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Architect salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$84K$91K$99K$106K$113K201920212023202520272029
2026
$102K
projected
2027
$105K
projected
2028
$108K
projected
2029
$110K
projected
2030
$113K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$100,000+$0
2028 projected$100,000+$0
2029 projected$100,000+$0
2030 projected$100,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Architect Salary in Aurora, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Architect salary in Aurora, CO is $100,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Aurora–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Architect in Aurora

Entry-level Architects in Aurora with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $76,000 and $100,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $100,000 to $134,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $134,000 to $176,000 or more.

Cost of living in Aurora for Architects

Aurora has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Aurora are close to the national average. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Architect

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture; AIA license. 35% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Architect salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Aurora (current)$100K112
Denver$106K118
Colorado Springs$95K102
Fort Collins$106K112
Lakewood$109K115
Thornton$103K108