According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics there were 110,990 employed licensed architects in the US in May 2008, (this figure does not include self employed practitioners).

Again according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2010 there were 78,700 employed licensed architects, or a net loss of -23,290 architects from 2008 until 2010 which would equate to a 21% unemployment rate within the profession. This does not include 2011 numbers which I think is safe to assume there was further erosion in the job market for architects.

According to NCARB (National Council Architectural Registration Boards) in 2010 14,737 people sat for the ARE (Architecture Licensing Exam). In 2009 13,326 people sat for the ARE exam. This is undoubtedly pushing the unemployment rate higher as more people become licensed in a contracting profession.

According to the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) there were 27,852 students enrolled in a NAAB accredited degree program. Of this, there were 6,017 accredited degrees awarded in the academic year of 2009 to 2010.

So if we take 6,000 grads per year and multiple it by 3 years, we have added 18,000 individuals into a profession which has been in contraction not expansion, from 2008. Although the graduating students are not licensed architects, they are obviously entering an extremely battered profession.

Therefore I am sorry to report the “13.9%” unemployment rate for recent grads in architecture sounds way to optimistic! Where in the world are 5,100 graduates finding jobs in a profession with a 20-30% unemployment rate?

Me, I moved to DC, got a smidge over minimum wage at SOM, people were offering to work for free all over town. . .it took me 7 years in the profession to make more than I did as a waitress during college. . .sad but true story!