📏 Architect License Requirements by State

Compare architect license requirements across all 50 states and DC — experience, exams, fees, and salary data.

Last updated 2026-05-08

By the numbers: 51 of 51 jurisdictions require a state-level architect license. Apprenticeship and Experience requirements range varies hours. Exam Application Fees range $235–$235. Most state Boards require Continuing Education at every Renewal cycle.

State	License Required	Experience	Exam Fee	Median Salary
ALAlabama	Required	—	$235	$81,179
AKAlaska	Required	—	$235	$115,704
AZArizona	Required	—	$235	$90,510
ARArkansas	Required	—	$235	$78,380
CACalifornia	Required	—	$235	$128,767
COColorado	Required	—	$235	$100,774
CTConnecticut	Required	—	$235	$107,306
DEDelaware	Required	—	$235	$93,310
DCDistrict of Columbia	Required	—	$235	$119,436
FLFlorida	Required	—	$235	$89,577
GAGeorgia	Required	—	$235	$86,778
HIHawaii	Required	—	$235	$125,968
IDIdaho	Required	—	$235	$87,711
ILIllinois	Required	—	$235	$97,975
INIndiana	Required	—	$235	$84,912
IAIowa	Required	—	$235	$83,045
KSKansas	Required	—	$235	$83,045
KYKentucky	Required	—	$235	$83,045
LALouisiana	Required	—	$235	$83,979
MEMaine	Required	—	$235	$90,510
MDMaryland	Required	—	$235	$101,707
MAMassachusetts	Required	—	$235	$113,838
MIMichigan	Required	—	$235	$87,711
MNMinnesota	Required	—	$235	$97,042
MSMississippi	Required	—	$235	$77,447
MOMissouri	Required	—	$235	$83,979
MTMontana	Required	—	$235	$89,577
NENebraska	Required	—	$235	$83,979
NVNevada	Required	—	$235	$95,176
NHNew Hampshire	Required	—	$235	$97,042
NJNew Jersey	Required	—	$235	$110,105
NMNew Mexico	Required	—	$235	$84,912
NYNew York	Required	—	$235	$121,303
NCNorth Carolina	Required	—	$235	$85,845
NDNorth Dakota	Required	—	$235	$88,644
OHOhio	Required	—	$235	$85,845
OKOklahoma	Required	—	$235	$81,179
OROregon	Required	—	$235	$102,641
PAPennsylvania	Required	—	$235	$91,443
RIRhode Island	Required	—	$235	$96,109
SCSouth Carolina	Required	—	$235	$84,912
SDSouth Dakota	Required	—	$235	$82,112
TNTennessee	Required	—	$235	$83,979
TXTexas	Required	—	$235	$87,711
UTUtah	Required	—	$235	$90,510
VTVermont	Required	—	$235	$94,243
VAVirginia	Required	—	$235	$95,176
WAWashington	Required	—	$235	$110,105
WVWest Virginia	Required	—	$235	$80,246
WIWisconsin	Required	—	$235	$87,711
WYWyoming	Required	—	$235	$88,644

Common questions about architect licensing

Do all states require a architect license?

No — 51 of 51 jurisdictions require a state-level architect license. The remainder license at the local or county level, or not at all. See the table above for the per-state breakdown.

How much does it cost to get a architect license?

Application fees across the states range $235–$235. Renewal fees and continuing education hours vary by jurisdiction — check the state-specific page for the exact numbers.

How many apprenticeship hours does a architect license typically require?

Required apprenticeship/work experience hours range varies across states, with most states requiring 2–4 years of supervised on-the-job training plus passing a board-administered exam.

Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with your state licensing board.