Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
SOC Code: 17-1011
Explore H1B visa sponsorship data for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval positions. View salary ranges, top employers, and geographic distribution from 2,164 H1B filings (FY2022-2025).
Occupation Statistics
Top States for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
All Architects, Except Landscape and Naval H1B Sponsors
Related Occupations in Architecture & Engineering
About Architects, Except Landscape and Naval H1B Sponsorship
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval are currently seeing an unprecedented surge in H1B visa demand, making it one of the most dynamic fields for international design professionals. With a staggering year-over-year growth of 166.7% from FY2024 to FY2025, this occupation has become a powerhouse in the professional immigration space. Currently, there have been over 8,930 H1B filings for this role, supported by a diverse ecosystem of 2,733 individual employers willing to sponsor international talent. This trend underscores a significant need for global design expertise within the U.S. construction and design sectors, offering a clear path for qualified architects to build their careers in America. For those pursuing an H1B visa as Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, the landscape is both broad and competitive. The SOC Code 17-1011 encompasses a wide variety of commercial, residential, and industrial design roles that require specialized knowledge. The sheer volume of sponsorship activity indicates that U.S. firms are looking beyond domestic borders to fill critical gaps in their design teams. Whether you are a fresh graduate from a U.S. university or an experienced project lead from abroad, the increasing filing volume suggests that the H1B sponsorship path is more viable than ever for qualified architectural professionals looking to enter the U.S. market.
Salary Insights
Understanding the H1B salary for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval is crucial for negotiating competitive offers and ensuring your petition meets Department of Labor requirements. Data indicates a median salary of $58,000 for sponsored individuals in this category. While this provides a helpful benchmark, the salary range is quite broad, typically spanning from the 10th percentile at $46,000 to the 90th percentile at $80,000. These figures can vary significantly based on the employer's size, the complexity of the projects, and the specific geographic location of the firm, with major urban centers often providing the highest compensation packages. Location plays a pivotal role in compensation for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval. In states like New York and California, where the cost of living and demand for high-end urban design are high, salaries often lean toward the upper end of the $80,000 spectrum. Conversely, entry-level H1B sponsorship roles in different regions might start closer to the $46,000 mark. When evaluating an H1B visa offer, candidates should consider not just the base pay, but the prevailing wage requirements which ensure that sponsored architects are paid fairly relative to their domestic peers in the same metropolitan area, protecting the professional standards of the industry.
Top Employers Sponsoring This Role
When looking for H1B sponsorship, targeting the right firms can make all the difference in your career trajectory. Leading the way in international recruitment are prestigious global firms like Perkins + Will and Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM). These industry giants have a long history of sponsoring Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, often seeking talent to work on iconic skyscrapers and large-scale infrastructure projects across the globe. Similarly, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) is a major player, frequently utilizing the H1B program to bring in architects with a sophisticated eye for urban density and sustainable design who can handle complex zoning and structural challenges. Other notable employers with a high volume of H1B filings include Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK) and RTKL Associates. These firms operate on a global scale, making them more accustomed to the logistical and legal requirements of H1B visa processing for international staff. For a job seeker, these 2,733 sponsoring employers represent a massive opportunity to work at the forefront of architectural innovation. Many of these firms value the diverse perspectives that international architects bring to the table, particularly when dealing with international clients or specialized architectural styles that are prominent in the candidate's home country, creating a multicultural design environment.
Skills & Qualifications
To qualify for H1B sponsorship as Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, candidates must demonstrate that the role is a 'specialty occupation.' This typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in architecture (B.Arch) or a related master’s degree (M.Arch) from an accredited institution. Beyond education, employers look for high-level technical proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, particularly Revit, Rhino, and AutoCAD. Mastery of these tools is essential for modern architectural workflows and is often a non-negotiable requirement for firms like HOK or Perkins + Will when they are considering candidates for sponsorship in a competitive job market. In addition to technical skills, H1B candidates must showcase a strong understanding of U.S. building codes, zoning laws, and sustainable design principles such as LEED certification. Communication skills are equally vital, as Architects, Except Landscape and Naval are expected to collaborate with engineers, clients, and contractors to bring a vision to life. Demonstrating progress toward licensure through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) can also significantly boost a candidate’s profile, signaling to sponsors that the applicant is committed to a long-term professional career in the United States and is capable of taking on increased responsibility as a licensed professional.
Tips for Getting H1B Sponsorship
For those seeking H1B sponsorship for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, geographic strategy is key. Focus your job search on the top five states for sponsorship: New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and Massachusetts. These hubs, particularly cities like NYC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, house the headquarters of major firms like Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill and RTKL Associates. Networking within these specific regions increases your chances of finding an employer who is already familiar with the H1B visa process and has the legal infrastructure to support your petition through the annual lottery or transfer process. Finally, timing is everything, especially given the 166.7% growth in filings recently recorded. Prepare your portfolio early and focus on projects that highlight your unique technical contributions and design philosophy. When interviewing with any of the 2,733 active sponsoring employers, be prepared to discuss how your specific architectural background fits the 'specialty occupation' criteria required by USCIS. Mentioning your awareness of the H1B salary for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval shows you have done your research. By targeting high-growth firms and locations, you can position yourself at the forefront of this expanding field and secure a future in the American architectural landscape.