Contents

• Unpacking Talent Costs
• Exploring Occupancy Costs

For architecture and engineering firms, finding skilled talent is critical - but the cost of employing that talent can vary widely between markets. Salary levels directly affect how easily firms can build teams, deliver projects competitively and protect margins. Our research identifies where firms can access strong talent pools without the cost premium of established global hubs.

Engineering talent

Engineering salary levels vary widely across global markets.

Zurich is the most expensive labour market, where junior engineers (one to three years’ experience) earn an average of $101,188 per annum - the highest globally at this level. Beyond Switzerland, the highest global salaries are concentrated in the United States: 10 of the world’s 12 most expensive engineering labour markets are cities in the United States. However, even within the United States, remuneration levels vary significantly. For example, average engineering salaries in San Francisco are around 29% higher than in Houston.

Comparing engineering salary levels with the Savills A&E Talent Index rankings highlights where firms can access skilled labour pools without paying top-tier premiums.

In North America, Toronto combines strong engineering capability with lower average salary levels than leading hubs in the United States. In Europe, London and Helsinki rank highly for engineering talent while remaining more moderate on junior pay. Across Asia Pacific, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo all sit within the top 10 of the Savills A&E Talent Index while maintaining globally competitive junior salary levels.

Architecture talent

Salary differentials are equally evident in architecture, shaping where firms can build teams competitively.

In the United States, Boston and Dallas perform strongly in the Savills A&E Talent Index, offering deep, skilled labour pools, with salary levels lower than in established high-cost hubs. Across Europe, Zurich, London and Copenhagen rank highly for architectural capability while maintaining comparatively competitive salary levels. In Asia Pacific, Singapore, Tokyo, Shanghai and Sydney all feature within the top 20 of the index, with salary levels that remain globally competitive.

For firms assessing expansion or building future pipelines, these markets offer access to capability without the cost pressures of the most expensive global centres

Balancing talent and occupancy costs

Alongside labour costs, real estate is another major cost that can be actively optimised through location strategy. By comparing prime office rents to Savills A&E Talent Index rankings, we identify markets where high-quality talent can be accessed at lower occupational cost.

Across Europe, the Scandinavian capitals stand out. Oslo and Helsinki rank strongly for depth of talent pools, yet prime office rents remain materially lower than in traditional gateway cities such as London or Zurich. For example, prime office space in Oslo is approximately 77% less expensive than in London.

In North America, Dallas and Seattle both feature within the top 20 of the Savills A&E Talent Index, while offering more competitive prime rents than coastal gateways such as New York or San Francisco. Toronto similarly combines strong engineering and architectural talent fundamentals with more moderate occupational costs, reinforcing its position as a cost-efficient North American hub.

Within Asia Pacific, Melbourne emerges as a relative value market. Ranked within the top 20 of the Savills A&E Talent Index, it combines a solid engineering and architectural skills base with prime office rents of around $72 per sq ft per annum, positioning it as a relative value play among established regional markets. 

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