How Much Do Architects Make in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, an architect's monthly salary usually ranges from 15,000 BDT to over 2,00,000 BDT, based on experience, position, and reputation.

Now, let’s explore the numbers in detail.

Architect Salaries in Bangladesh: Overview

Architect salaries can vary widely. A lot depends on where you work, how much experience you have, and whether you’re employed at a firm or working independently.

Here’s a quick salary summary:

• Entry-level = 15,000 – 30,000 (Monthly Salary (BDT)) & 1.8 – 3.6 lakh (Annual Salary (BDT))
• Mid-level = 40,000 – 80,000 (Monthly Salary (BDT)) & 4.8 – 9.6 lakh (Annual Salary (BDT))
• Experienced = 90,000 – 1,50,000 (Monthly Salary (BDT)) & 10 – 18 lakh (Annual Salary (BDT))
• Top-tier/Firm Owner = 2,00,000+ (Monthly Salary (BDT)) & 20 lakh+ (Annual Salary (BDT))

Entry-Level Architect Salary (Fresh Graduates)

When I first started out as an architect, my monthly salary was around 20,000 BDT — which is quite standard in small to mid-size firms.

Fresh graduates in Bangladesh typically earn between 15,000 to 30,000 BDT/month. However, students graduating from top architecture schools like BUET, NSU, or AIUB often start with a higher salary, sometimes reaching 40,000 BDT, especially if they have strong portfolios.

What About Interns?

Intern architects usually earn between 5,000 and 10,000 BDT/month, and sometimes it’s unpaid—especially at small studios. But a strong internship can help you land a better job later.

Mid-Level and Experienced Architect Salaries

After you’ve worked for 3 to 7 years, salaries go up. At this stage, you likely handle more responsibilities like project coordination, client meetings, and design leads.

• Mid-level architects (3–7 years) usually earn 40,000 to 80,000 BDT.
• Those with 8–15 years of experience can earn 1,00,000 BDT or more.
• Architects in senior positions, especially in real estate companies or large firms, may even earn 1.5–2 lakh BDT/month depending on their role.

Superstar and Independent Architects

There are a few architects in Bangladesh who are not just practicing—they’re leading studios, teaching, doing international projects, and running multi-crore businesses. These “superstar” architects can make anything from 2 lakh to 10+ lakh BDT/month, depending on project scale.

Some examples:

• Firm Owners: Top architects running their architecture firms can earn a lot more, especially from luxury projects.
• Freelancers/International Work: Some architects take remote design jobs for foreign clients on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. These projects pay in USD, which can boost income significantly.

Annual Salary Perspective

To give a clearer picture, let me break down the yearly earnings:

• Entry-level = 15,000 (Monthly Salary) & 1.8 lakh (Yearly Salary)
• Mid-level = 60,000 (Monthly Salary) & 7.2 lakh (Yearly Salary)
• Senior/Experienced = 1,20,000 (Monthly Salary) & 14.4 lakh (Yearly Salary)
• Firm Owner = 2,00,000+ (Monthly Salary) & 24 lakh+ (Yearly Salary)

Compare this with the national average salary: According to PiHR, the average monthly salary in Bangladesh is around 26,000 BDT — so good architects can definitely earn above average, especially mid-to-senior professionals.

Factors Influencing Architect Salaries in Bangladesh

In my journey, I’ve seen that how much you earn depends on several key factors:

• Experience: More years = more income.
• Portfolio strength: A great portfolio helps you get better clients & jobs.
• Reputation: If people know and trust your work, you can charge more.
• Where you studied: BUET, NSU, and AIUB grads often earn more at the start.
• Software skills: Knowing AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, 3Ds Max, and BIM tools adds to your value.
• City: Architects in Dhaka often earn more than in smaller cities.
• Job Type:
• Government jobs are stable but lower-paid.
• Private sector roles pay more — especially in real estate and consultancy.

7. Architect Salaries in Related Roles (Comparison)

People sometimes search for related roles, so here’s how architect salaries compare:

• Junior Architect = 25,000 – 40,000 (Monthly Salary (BDT), Source = Glassdoor)
• Design Architect = 45,000 – 1,00,000+ (Monthly Salary (BDT), Source = Payscale)
• Software Architect = 2,00,000 – 4,00,000+ (Monthly Salary (BDT), Source = IT Industry)
• Civil Engineer = 30,000 – 90,000+ (Monthly Salary (BDT), Source = Local Estimates)

Note: Software architects are from the IT field, not architecture.

Is Architecture a Good Career in Bangladesh?

I believe architecture is a rewarding but challenging career in Bangladesh.

The Good:

• Growing real estate and construction sector.
• Chance to make real impact on people’s lives.
• High job satisfaction for creative people.

The Challenges:

• Initial pay is often low.
• Long working hours and tight deadlines.
• Need for continuous learning and software updates.

Good news? The earning curve rises with time and specialization. If you build a solid client base, master modern tools, and deliver great work consistently—you can do really well.

Conclusion

In summary, architects in Bangladesh can earn anywhere from 15,000 BDT/month to over 2 lakh BDT/month, depending on their experience, skills, and career path. The field is competitive, but if you’re truly passionate and hardworking, it offers great long-term opportunities.

FAQs

Q: Is BUET architecture good?

A: Yes, BUET has the top architecture program in Bangladesh. Graduates often receive good starting jobs and higher salaries.

Q: What is the highest paid job in Bangladesh?

A: Roles in tech, finance (bank CEOs), and specialized doctors usually top the income chart. Some architects with their own firms can also earn very high.

Q: What type of architect gets paid most?

A: Firm owners, senior architects in real estate companies, and those working on international projects or luxury homes usually earn the most.

Q: Can I make 1 lakh+ as an architect?

A: Yes. With 8–10 years of experience, strong skills, and a good reputation, many architects in Bangladesh earn over 1 lakh/month.