Architectural and Engineering Managers

O*NET 11-9041.00 · SOC 11-9041

Architectural and Engineering Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $171k a year with +5.5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 14,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+5.5%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$171k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
15k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 5
Extensive preparation needed (graduate degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Review engineering project plans for technical accuracy and feasibility
  • →Assign engineers and architects to projects based on skills and workload
  • →Approve project budgets and monitor spending against cost estimates
  • →Meet with clients to define project scope, timeline, and deliverables
  • →Ensure design work meets applicable building codes and safety standards

Education & How to Get In

🔬
Job Zone 5
Extensive preparation needed (graduate degree)

Architectural and Engineering Manager roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as an Architectural and Engineering Manager? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Architectural and Engineering Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningReview engineering project plans for technical accuracy and feasibility
MiddayAssign engineers and architects to projects based on skills and workload
AfternoonApprove project budgets and monitor spending against cost estimates

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)6.4
Investigative (Thinkers)4.6
Conventional (Organizers)4.4
Realistic (Doers)3.0
Social (Helpers)3.0
Artistic (Creators)2.6

Who Thrives as Architectural and Engineering Manager?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ENTJThe CommanderESTJThe ExecutiveENTPThe InnovatorINTJThe Strategist

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Architectural and Engineering Manager Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Chief Sustainability Officers+3.2%Wind Energy Development Managers+4.9%Sales Engineers+2.8%Natural Sciences Managers+8.2%Sustainability Specialists+3.9%Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates+2.8%Business Continuity Planners+3.9%Information Technology Project Managers+5.1%

Explore More Careers

Best Technology Careers →Best Business Careers →Best Creative Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Architectural and Engineering Managers is projected to grow 5.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

32/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does an Architectural and Engineering Manager make?

The median Architectural and Engineering Manager earns $171k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Architectural and Engineering Manager jobs?

Our model puts Architectural and Engineering Manager at 32 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Architectural and Engineering Manager a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 5.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 14,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be an Architectural and Engineering Manager?

Architectural and Engineering Manager roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.

How long does it take to become an Architectural and Engineering Manager?

Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is an Architectural and Engineering Manager career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes