City architect

What does a city architect do? – Tasks and work environment

A city architect is responsible for leading and coordinating the physical planning of cities and communities. Tasks often include developing and evaluating urban plans, designing public environments, and ensuring that new construction projects align with the city’s overall vision and sustainability goals. Contact with politicians, citizens, developers, and other professionals is central, where the city architect acts as a link between technical, aesthetic, and societal interests. The work is mostly office-based but also includes site visits, meetings, and presentations. The environment is characterized by a fast pace and demands for teamwork, while also allowing room for creativity and long-term thinking.

Salary development over time

The salary of a city architect has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,500 SEK per month, increasing to 45 600 in 2023 and further to 47100 in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 5.8 % over three years, slightly above the average for similar planning and architecture professions. This increase is partly explained by rising demand for specialized skills in urban development and sustainable planning, as well as a growing focus on climate adaptation and infrastructure in Swedish municipalities. Salary increases have been evenly distributed between genders, reflecting a mature and equal labor market for city architects.

City architect salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 47100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,800 SEK/month (men), 42,900 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 56,600 SEK/month (men), 54,300 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 283 SEK
• Gender differences: Women and men have virtually identical average salaries
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation is not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a city architect, a university degree in architecture, physical planning, or urban planning is generally required, often complemented by further education or specialization in urban development. The position also requires several years of professional experience and good knowledge of legislation, design principles, and societal planning. Practical experience from municipal work and project management is advantageous.

• Education: Architecture degree (5 years) or master's in physical planning
• Certifications: No formal certification required, but further training in urban development is meritorious
• Internships: Longer internship periods during education are common
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies, often with a focus on mathematics and social sciences
• Tips: Early focus on urban development and internships in municipal work are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

City architects are often offered competitive occupational pensions, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Other benefits may include skills development, extra vacation days, and subsidized lunches. Business trips and participation in national or international conferences are also common.

Competition and challenges

The market for city architects today is characterized by moderate competition. The number of available positions is relatively stable, and the recruitment situation is considered balanced. A key challenge is to combine aesthetic and technical requirements with political decisions and economic frameworks. The role requires a great ability to manage complex projects with many stakeholders, where changing legislation and increased demands for sustainability pose high demands on knowledge and flexibility. Digitalization and new planning tools also influence the profession and require continuous skills development.

Tips for aspiring city architects

To succeed as a city architect, it is good to be creative and have a strong interest in urban development. Communication skills are crucial, as the profession involves extensive dialogue with politicians, colleagues, and citizens. Structured problem-solving and analytical ability facilitate the investigation of complex issues and the development of solutions. It is also important to be attentive and able to collaborate across professions, especially in larger projects where many interests must be balanced. Early internships in urban planning or municipal work provide valuable experience. Engagement in sustainable development and curiosity about digital tools are also strong assets in the profession.

Key facts about city architects

• Education level: University degree (architecture or physical planning, at least 5 years)
• Salary range: 42,800–56,600 SEK/month
• Work environment: Office-based with extensive collaboration
• Gender differences: Practically non-existent
• Demand: Moderate opportunities, balanced labor market

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many city architects advance to leadership roles, such as head of urban planning departments or project managers within larger urban development projects. Others choose to deepen their expertise in areas like sustainable urban development, digital urban planning, or policy development. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that the job market for planning architects, including city architects, will remain stable with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. Currently, there are 564 job openings in the field, indicating continued strong demand for the skills.

Frequently asked questions about city architects

• What does a city architect earn?
  - The average salary is 47100 SEK/month. The salary range varies from 42,800 to 56,600 SEK/month depending on experience and sector.
• How does one become a city architect?
  - A university degree in architecture or physical planning is required, often followed by several years of professional experience and internships.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - No, women and men practically have the same average salary as city architects.
• What is the job market like for city architects?
  - The job market is considered balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What are the job responsibilities of a city architect?
  - The work includes urban planning, design issues, coordination of construction projects, and dialogue with various stakeholders.
• What benefits are common in this profession?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and skills development.
• What are the career development opportunities?
  - After a few years, city architects can advance to managerial roles, specialist positions, or project management within urban development.