How to become architectural and engineering managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$171,270

25th–75th pct. $139,360–$212,500

Top pay (est.)

$341,600

Top 10% $262,760

Pay in 5 years

$196,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$225,900est.

$194,200–$262,200

Outlook score

62/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

59%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+5.5%

15K openings / yr

How to become architectural and engineering managers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Architectural and Engineering Managers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.4

Judgment and Decision Making

4.2

Complex Problem Solving

4.2

Critical Thinking

4.2

Mathematics

4.2

Writing

4.1

Coordination

4.1

Time Management

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Design

5.5

Engineering and Technology

5.3

Customer and Personal Service

5.2

Mathematics

4.9

Computers and Electronics

4.5

Administration and Management

4.5

English Language

4.3

Administrative

4.2

What the work involves

Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentProcessing InformationGetting Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionVisualizationDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

46%

Master's degree

27%

Professional degree

12%

Post-master's certificate

12%

Doctoral degree

Associate's degree

Post-bachelor's certificate

Training before entry

2–4 years

20%

Up to 1 month

18%

6–12 months

16%

Over 10 years

13%

3–6 months

None / short demo

1–2 years

1–3 months

4–10 years

Related work experience

Over 10 years

36%

6–8 years

31%

8–10 years

15%

4–6 years

1–2 years

None

2–4 years

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★★ Hard to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as architectural and engineering managers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.