2024 Salary Insights for Architectural Assistants in the UK

The latest Pay 100 survey highlights a concerning trend in the architecture profession, revealing an “unusually high” rate of talented individuals leaving the field for better opportunities. This survey, now in its third year, was published online on November 1, 2024, and garnered around 1,000 submissions.

This year’s findings indicate a significant number of skilled employees are departing the profession, a trend the organizers attribute to “economic opportunity” playing a crucial role in this exodus. The initiative, which advocates for fair pay among early-career architects, has expanded its scope this year by disclosing the names of all participating practices and their locations, rather than just the top 100 firms, further enhancing transparency in architectural salaries.

As the survey continues to shed light on these critical issues, it emphasizes the need for change within the industry to retain talent and improve working conditions.

2024 Part I Architectural Assistant Salaries

In the Part I category, the top earner is Foster + Partners, based in Greater London, offering a competitive salary of £33,500 for its assistants. Following closely is IF_DO, also in London, with a salary of £33,000. This trend reflects an overall increase in starting salaries, which previously hovered around the £32,000 mark at leading firms.

Here’s a quick look at the top five salaries for Part I Architectural Assistants:

1. Foster + Partners – £33,500
2. IF_DO – £33,000
3. Purcell – £31,000
4. Bond Bryan – £30,500
5. F3 Architects – £30,000

2024 Part II Architectural Assistant Salaries

The Part II category shows even more significant increases. John Pawson tops the list with an impressive salary of £42,000. This increase is notable compared to last year’s figures, which generally remained below £40,000. Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects closely follows with £41,600.

Here’s a summary of the top earners in Part II:

1. John Pawson – £42,000
2. Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects – £41,600
3. Foster + Partners – £38,500
4. WilkinsonEyre – £38,100
5. Barr Gazetas – £37,800

These changes in salary are indicative of the architectural industry’s competitive nature, as firms strive to attract and retain top talent in an ever-evolving market.

Comparing with 2023

When comparing these figures with those from 2023, it’s evident that salaries have experienced upward adjustments across the board. In particular, the top salaries in both categories have seen notable increases, which could be a response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the architecture sector. Moreover, expectations regarding unpaid overtime remain relatively consistent with previous years, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of work-life balance for architectural assistants.

In summary, the 2024 salary landscape for Architectural Assistants in the UK highlights a positive trend towards better compensation, particularly for those in more experienced positions. As the industry continues to evolve, these adjustments not only reflect market demands but also the increasing recognition of the value that architectural professionals bring to their firms.

Editor Comment

Organizations like The Pay 100 are crucial in shedding light on the reality of architectural salaries in London and the UK. The field of architecture remains a challenging path compared to many other careers, and data shows that many studios are still paying less than the living wage.

Half of the 54 studios included on the Part I list are paying below the UK Living Wage of £26,208 for a 40-hour work week, seemingly contravening the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) requirements. The Pay 100 urges studios paying less than this living wage, as defined by the Living Wage Foundation, to reconsider the value and living standards of their employees, aligning with RIBA standards.

For the first time, this year’s The Pay 100 has revealed the names of all studios surveyed, rather than just the top 100 for each category. Reported average salaries ranged from £27,000 to £54,500 for architects and architectural designers, from £24,500 to £42,000 for Part II assistants, and from £21,000 to £33,500 for Part I assistants.

The Pay 100 remains optimistic about the power of collaboration and continues to welcome cooperation from the Architects’ Registration Board, RIBA, and practices across the profession.

If you’re curious about the salaries of landscape architects in the UK, please share your thoughts in the comments. We hope to foster a platform that promotes greater transparency in the salaries of landscape architects and urban designers as well.