High-paying architecture jobs in Chicago
The 133 architecture jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $67,286 and $180,392 per year. Interior Designer, Architect and Architectural Designer are among the most popular high-paying roles in Chicago, IL.
Job title
Updated Aug 31, 2026Principal Architect
Chicago
Illinois
Architectural Consultant
Chicago
Illinois
Senior Architect
Chicago
Illinois
Architect
Chicago
Illinois
Interior Designer
Chicago
Illinois
Lighting Designer
Chicago
Illinois
Architectural Designer
Chicago
Illinois
CAD Technician
Chicago
Illinois
Drafter
Chicago
Illinois
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
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Principal Architect
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Principal Architects lead architectural firms, focusing on strategic vision, design excellence, and client relationships while managing project portfolios and mentoring staff. Strong leadership, extensive experience, and innovative thinking are essential.
The top companies hiring Principal Architect in Chicago, IL are United Airlines (3 jobs), Coupa (1 job), and TransUnion (1 job).
Currently, 42% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 9 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$180,392 per yearIllinois
$174,187 per yearSkills
- APIs
- AWS
- Agile
- Azure
- System design
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Architectural Consultant
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Architectural Consultants advise on design and planning, providing expert insights for projects. They collaborate with clients and teams to ensure alignment with goals. Expertise in architecture, critical thinking, and communication skills are essential.
Currently, 34% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 6 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$130,114 per yearIllinois
$130,114 per year -
Senior Architect
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Senior architects lead design projects, mentor junior staff and ensure high-quality architectural practices. They collaborate with clients and manage project goals. Extensive experience, leadership skills and strong design vision are paramount.
The top companies hiring Senior Architect in Chicago, IL are Woolpert (1 job), DLR Group (1 job), and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (1 job).
Currently, 28% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 6 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$122,599 per yearIllinois
$124,898 per yearSkills
- AutoCAD
- Revit
- SketchUp
- Project management
- Construction
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Architect
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Architects design buildings and spaces, combining functionality with aesthetics while collaborating with clients to create blueprints and oversee project execution. Creativity, technical knowledge and strong communication skills are essential in this role.
The top companies hiring Architect in Chicago, IL are Woolpert (4 jobs), Baker Barrios Architects (2 jobs), and DLR Group (1 job).
Architect jobs take 133 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 29% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 28 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$105,070 per yearIllinois
$108,278 per yearSkills
- Project management
- Construction
- SketchUp
- CAD
- Drafting
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Interior Designer
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Interior designers create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces by collaborating with clients, drafting designs and selecting materials that meet their needs. Creativity, space planning and an understanding of color theory are essential skills for this role.
The top companies hiring Interior Designer in Chicago, IL are Baker Barrios Architects (4 jobs), CannonDesign (2 jobs), and Perkins Eastman (2 jobs).
Interior Designer jobs take 139 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 15% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 9% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 40 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$75,654 per yearIllinois
$74,880 per yearSkills
- Interior design
- Color theory
- 3ds Max
- Project management
- SketchUp
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Lighting Designer
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Lighting Designers create illumination plans for spaces, balancing aesthetics with functionality and energy efficiency, collaborating with architects and clients. Creativity, technical expertise, and knowledge of lighting systems are essential.
The top companies hiring Lighting Designer in Chicago, IL are IMEG (2 jobs), Jacobs (1 job), and CannonDesign (1 job).
Lighting Designer jobs take 26 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 26% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 10 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$72,875 per yearIllinois
$72,507 per year -
Architectural Designer
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Architectural designers create building designs and layouts through all stages from concept to execution, integrating aesthetics with functionality. Creative thinking, technical knowledge and effective communication are essential in this role.
The top companies hiring Architectural Designer in Chicago, IL are Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (2 jobs), GFT (2 jobs), and Woolpert (1 job).
Architectural Designer jobs take 78 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 23% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 15 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$72,105 per yearIllinois
$76,062 per yearSkills
- 3ds Max
- Schematics
- Construction
- Drafting
- SketchUp
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CAD Technician
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CAD technicians collaborate with engineers and architects and produce detailed technical drawings and designs using software, ensuring accuracy in specifications. Proficiency in CAD software, attention to detail and technical knowledge are essential in this role.
The top companies hiring CAD Technician in Chicago, IL are DB Sterlin Consultants, Inc (3 jobs), AEI Consultants (1 job), and DYNASTY GROUP (1 job).
CAD Technician jobs take 97 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 11% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 10 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$69,976 per yearIllinois
$65,772 per yearSkills
- AutoCAD
- CAD
- Drafting
- Revit
- Schematics
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Drafter
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Drafters create detailed technical drawings and plans from specifications provided by architects and engineers, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. Key skills for this role include CAD software, precision and an understanding of building codes.
The top companies hiring Drafter in Chicago, IL are Sargent & Lundy (1 job), EDE Corporation (1 job), and DMC Engineering (1 job).
Drafter jobs take 95 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 3% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 9 jobsAverage pay
Chicago
$67,286 per yearIllinois
$72,795 per yearSkills
- AutoCAD
- Drafting
- CAD
- Revit
- Schematics