Occupations17-1011.00

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

Median annual pay
$96,690

BLS, 2024

Employment
123,600

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+3.9%

2024–34

Annual openings
7,800

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
  2. 02Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
  3. 03Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
  4. 04Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
  5. 05Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
  6. 06Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
  7. 07Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.
  8. 08Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
  9. 09Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
  10. 10Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
  11. 11Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
  12. 12Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingMonitoringActive LearningMathematicsLearning StrategiesScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 123,600 in 2024 to 128,400 in 2034, a +3.9% change.

BLS projects an average of 7,800 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.