How much do architects make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects made a median wage of $73,090 per year, or $35.14 per hour, as of May 2012. The top 10 percent of architects made more than $118,230, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $44,600.

Architects often work long hours with deadlines, but self-employed architects usually have more flexibility in their work schedules. About 20 percent of architects in 2012 were self-employed, according to the BLS. Architects frequently work in offices with clients, engineers and other architects. They also travel to project sites to review their works in progress. The first step to becoming an architect is to obtain a professional degree in architecture.