Architectural and Engineering Managers

SOC code 11-9041 · O*NET-SOC 11-9041.00 · Extensive preparation needed

Architectural and Engineering Managers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$171,270

a year

Hourly

$82.34

per hour

10th$120,810Median$171,27090th$262,760

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$181,540

$87.28 per hour

Middle 50%

$139,360 – $212,500

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$120,810 – $262,760

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

220,260

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $120,810; $58.08/hr
25th percentile: $139,360; $67.00/hr
Median percentile: $171,270; $82.34/hr
75th percentile: $212,500; $102.16/hr
90th percentile: $262,760; $126.33/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+4%

Growing faster than average

212,500

jobs in 2024

220,500

projected for 2034

About 8,000 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do architectural and engineering managers do?

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.
Assess project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand.
Review, recommend, or approve contracts or cost estimates.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 46% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree46%
Master's Degree27%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.12%
Post-Master's Certificate12%

Common questions

How much does an architectural and engineering managers earn?

The national median is $171,270 a year. The full range runs from $120,810 at the 10th percentile to $262,760 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an architectural and engineering managers without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is architectural and engineering managers in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Active Learning3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Design4.3/5
Engineering and Technology4.3/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
English Language3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Mechanical3.7/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.