Pay as a trainee architect
What pay would I receive as a trainee architect?
On the payment of (trainee) architects, Article 12 of the Code of Professional Conduct and Practice states: “Depending on the title, the architect is remunerated in fees, stipends, salary or pay that afford him a means of existence and enable him to practice his profession with honour and integrity.”
Self-employed Status
Contracts concluded from 1 March 2026
For contracts concluded from 1 March 2026 onwards, a general hourly rate of €23.65 per hour excluding VAT applies for the entire duration of the internship.
Contracts concluded before 1 March 2026
For contracts concluded before 1 March 2026, indexation applies according to the system described below. However, the Order of Architects also recommends renewing existing internship contracts so that they comply with the new minimum conditions.
Method of Calculation
The health index for January 2026 is 137.37.
The amounts used to calculate the minimum hourly internship fee in 2025 were:
- €14.74 at the start of the internship
- A €2.85 increase every six months
Health index January 2025: 135.52
Health index January 2026: 137.37
137.37 – 135.52 = 1.85
€14.74 + 1.85% = €15.01
€2.97 + 1.85% = €3.03
Minimum Hourly Fees for 2026
As of 1 March 2026, the following minimum hourly fees apply for architect‑interns working under the status of self‑employed:
| Internship period | Hourly fee |
|---|---|
| On commencement | €15.01 |
| After 6 months | €18.04 |
| After 12 months | €21.07 |
| After 18 months | €24.10 |
These hourly rates are exclusive of VAT.
Salaried Status
Trainee architects in salaried employment. i.e. having an employment contract, are paid in line with the joint committee for the liberal professions, PC 336.
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