Architectural and engineering managers held about 192,500 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of architectural and engineering managers were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 35% |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 25 |
| Government | 9 |
| Scientific research and development services | 6 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 6 |
Most architectural and engineering managers work in offices, although some may also work in research laboratories and industrial production plants or at construction sites.
Work Schedules
Most architectural and engineering managers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week. These managers are often under considerable pressure to meet deadlines and budgets.
Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer.
Education
Most architectural and engineering managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering specialty or a master’s degree in architecture.
Some also obtain business management skills by completing a master’s degree in engineering management (MEM or MsEM) or technology management (MSTM) or a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Some workers earn their master’s degree before advancing to management positions, and others earn it while they work as a manager. Typically, those who prefer to manage in technical areas pursue an MsEM or MSTM and those interested in more general management skills earn an MBA.
Engineering management programs usually include classes in accounting, engineering economics, financial management, industrial and human resources management, and quality control.
Technology management programs typically provide instruction in production and operations management, project management, computer applications, quality control, safety and health issues, statistics, and general management principles.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Managers advance to their positions after years of employment as an architect or engineer. They usually have experience working on difficult or complex projects, developing designs, solving problems, and making decisions. Before moving up to a management position, they also typically gain experience leading engineering teams.
Architectural and engineering managers typically have an interest in the Building, Thinking and Persuading interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws. The Persuading interest area indicates a focus on influencing, motivating, and selling to other people.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking or Persuading interest which might fit with a career as an architectural and engineering manager, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Architectural and engineering managers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Analytical skills. Architectural and engineering managers must evaluate information carefully and be able to solve complex problems.
Communication skills. Architectural and engineering managers oversee staff and confer with other levels of management. They must communicate orders effectively and be able to lead teams to meet goals.
Detail oriented. Architectural and engineering managers must pay attention to detail. Their duties require an understanding of complex systems, and a minor error can cause major problems.
Math skills. Architectural and engineering managers use calculus and other advanced mathematics to develop new products and processes.
Organizational skills. Architectural and engineering managers keep track of many workers, schedules, and budgets all at once.
Technical skills. Managers in these fields must thoroughly understand the specific area (architecture or a particular type of engineering) that they are managing.
The median annual wage for architectural and engineering managers was $144,830 in May 2019. 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 $92,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
In May 2019, 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 | $167,290 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 152,640 |
| Manufacturing | 143,550 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 143,160 |
| Government | 133,320 |
In addition, some architectural and engineering managers may receive more benefits—such as expense accounts and bonuses—than workers who are not managers.
Most architectural and engineering managers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week. These managers are often under considerable pressure to meet deadlines and budgets.
Employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will largely reflect the growth of the industries in which these managers are employed.
For example, employment of architectural and engineering managers in the engineering services industry is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, adding the most new jobs. Engineering services includes consulting firms that provide services to many other different industries. Civil engineering services—the construction of large buildings, roads, and other infrastructure projects—are the most common services this industry provides. Demand for these services is expected to continue as the nation’s aging infrastructure needs repair and expansion. Mechanical and electrical engineering services are also commonly done by this industry, and these services will continue to be needed for many different projects, such as wind turbines and other renewable energy.
However, employment in manufacturing is projected to decline 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, moderating overall growth of the occupation.
Job Prospects
Because these jobs are highly desirable, candidates can expect competition for openings.
Those with technical knowledge, strong communication skills, and years of related work experience, especially working on complex projects, will likely be in the best position to become managers.
In addition, because architectural and engineering managers are involved in the financial, production, and marketing activities of their firm, business management skills can be beneficial for those seeking management positions.
For information on architecture and engineering management programs, visit
American Institute of Architects
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
CareerOneStop
For a career video on architectural and engineering managers, visit
Architectural and engineering managers