Management
Architectural and engineering managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Median pay
$171,270
Growth to 2035
+6%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
14,900
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Architectural and engineering managers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- 5 years or more
Calculate your switch to architectural and engineering managers
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Architectural and engineering managers: 84% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Civil Engineering Manager · Electrical Engineering Manager · Engineering Director · Engineering Group Manager · Engineering Program Manager · Mechanical Engineering Manager · Process Engineering Manager · Project Engineering Manager
Outlook and AI
Architectural and engineering managers held 220,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 233,100 by 2035 (+6%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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