What Architectural and Engineering Managers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Architectural and Engineering Managers this way: "Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures"; "Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients"; "Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications"; "Develop or implement programs to improve sustainability or reduce the environmental impacts of engineering or architecture activities or operations"; "Evaluate the environmental impacts of engineering, architecture, or research and development activities".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Architectural and Engineering Managers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 220,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 233,100 in 2035, an increase of 12,200 jobs (+5.5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 14,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $171,270, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Architectural and Engineering Managers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $162,998 in Michigan to $204,799 in California, a gap of $41,801 (1.26 times). 1 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $171,270 and 1 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 28,160, which is 66.2% of the 42,520 counted across them. Michigan follows with 14,360.
Highest-paying states
California ($204,799) and Michigan ($162,998) lead the ranking, while Michigan ($162,998) and California ($204,799) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Architectural and Engineering Managers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-9000) include Natural Sciences Managers, Medical and Health Services Managers, Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary and Construction Managers.
Frequently asked questions about Architectural and Engineering Managers
What is the national median wage for Architectural and Engineering Managers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $171,270. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $162,998 to $204,799.
Which state pays Architectural and Engineering Managers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $204,799. Michigan is next at $162,998.
What is the job outlook for Architectural and Engineering Managers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 14,900 openings a year.
What education do Architectural and Engineering Managers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.