Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.
Architectural and engineering managers typically do the following:
Architectural and engineering managers use their knowledge of architecture or engineering to oversee a variety of activities. They may direct and coordinate construction or manufacturing related to production, operations, quality assurance, testing, or maintenance.
As part of their oversight responsibilities, architectural and engineering managers set goals and develop detailed plans, including production schedules. They also prepare budgets for projects, staff, and equipment needs. In this way, managers anticipate problems that may arise and which might otherwise hinder a project’s completion.
Architectural and engineering managers hire staff and assign them to carry out specific parts of a project. They also supervise employees’ work, which may include collaborating with other organizations, to monitor the project’s quality and progress through completion.
Architectural and engineering managers held about 191,100 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of architectural and engineering managers were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 35% |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 28 |
| Government | 9 |
| Scientific research and development services | 6 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 5 |
Most architectural and engineering managers work in offices. Some work in settings such as research laboratories or industrial production plants. These managers may work in groups and supervise other staff members, such as architects and engineers. They are often under pressure to meet deadlines and budgets.
Most architectural and engineering managers work full time. Working more than 40 hours a week is common, especially when meeting deadlines.
To enter the occupation, architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer.
Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture.
Bachelor’s degree programs in architecture and engineering usually include coursework in mathematics and physical sciences. In addition, architecture programs may include courses such as architectural history and theory, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), and construction methods; these programs take about 5 years to complete. Engineering programs vary by concentration and often take about 4 years of classroom, laboratory, and field studies in engineering principles and systems.
Architectural and engineering managers or prospective managers may complete a master’s degree in engineering management (MEM or MsEM), technology management (MSTM), or business administration (MBA). Some earn their master’s degree before entering a management position; others earn it while working as a manager. Typically, those who prefer to manage in technical areas pursue an MsEM or MSTM, and those interested in general management skills earn an MBA.
Engineering and technology management programs include courses such as accounting, marketing, and finance that focus on the particular field. Programs in engineering management also include coursework in supply chain management and product development. Programs in technology management include courses in information security and systems development.
Architectural and engineering managers typically do not need a license. However, these managers may advance from other occupations that do require licensure. For example, all states require architects to be licensed, and some engineers obtain a professional engineering (PE) license. Contact your state licensing board for more information.
Some managers choose to earn certification. For example, certification in technology management is available from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.
Architectural and engineering managers typically advance to their positions after years of experience as an architect or engineer. In those positions, they may have worked on complex projects, developed designs, solved problems, and led teams.
Analytical skills. Architectural and engineering managers evaluate information to solve problems.
Communication skills. Architectural and engineering managers must effectively convey information and expectations related to projects.
Interpersonal skills. Architectural and engineering managers must be able to collaborate with other staff to meet deadlines and achieve goals.
Leadership skills. Architectural and engineering managers lead teams, which requires an ability to organize, direct, and motivate others.
Math skills. Architectural and engineering managers use calculus and other mathematics to develop new products and processes.
Organizational skills. Architectural and engineering managers keep track of many workers, schedules, and budgets simultaneously.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for architectural and engineering managers was $152,350 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $99,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for architectural and engineering managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Scientific research and development services | $187,240 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 164,060 |
| Manufacturing | 151,890 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 151,870 |
| Government | 135,150 |
Most architectural and engineering managers work full time. Working more than 40 hours a week is common, especially when meeting deadlines.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 14,000 openings for architectural and engineering managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment growth will largely reflect the growth of the industries in which these managers are employed. Demand for civil engineering services is expected to continue as the nation’s aging infrastructure requires expansion and repair. Mechanical and electrical engineering services should also be needed for projects such as wind turbine farms and other renewable energy construction and design.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Architectural and engineering managers |
11-9041 | 191,100 | 195,500 | 2 | 4,400 | Get data | |
For information on architecture and engineering management programs, visit
American Institute of Architects
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Architectural and engineering managers (PDF)
For a career video on architectural and engineering managers, visit
Architectural and engineering managers
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