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Architectural and engineering managers: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$171,270median pay per year, or $82.34 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $120,810lowest 10% earn less
  2. $139,36025th percentile
  3. $171,270median
  4. $212,50075th percentile
  5. $262,760top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Architectural and engineering managers earned a median of $171,270 a year in May 2025[1]. The job typically needs a bachelor's degree and 5 years or more of related experience[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+5.5%[5]
Openings per year
14,900[6]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[2]

How much do architectural and engineering managers make?

The median wage was $171,270 a year, or $82.34 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The average was higher, at $181,540 a year, or $87.28 an hour[7].

For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[4].

The range is wide. Here are the annual wage percentiles[3]:

Percentile Annual wage Source
10th[3] $120,810
25th[3] $139,360
Median[1] $171,270
75th[3] $212,500
90th[3] $262,760

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $120,810[3]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8]. Hourly, the 10th percentile was $58.08 and the 90th was $126.33[9].

These figures cover wage and salary workers. They leave out self-employed people, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10]. Only 0.2% of these managers were self-employed in 2025[11].

Pay by state and city

New Mexico had the highest median wage at $215,120, followed by California at $210,280 and Massachusetts at $201,430[12]. Washington, the District of Columbia and Colorado came next[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs[13], San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA led at $234,590. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA followed at $221,580, then Albuquerque, NM at $215,120[13].

The most jobs are in California (29,630), Texas (19,030) and Michigan (14,820)[14]. Among metro areas, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA had 9,570 jobs and Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI had 9,260[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
New Mexico[12]$215,1202,270
California$210,28029,630
Massachusetts$201,4307,690
Washington$189,6806,060
District of Columbia$185,2201,290
Colorado$183,8104,900
Delaware$181,190560
New Jersey$180,6404,540
Oregon$177,190n/a
Virginia$176,1604,390
Rhode Island$175,910370
New York$175,7108,250
Connecticut$175,4904,970
Maryland$172,6705,240
New Hampshire$172,2402,160
Minnesota$172,1304,580
Texas$171,37019,030
Florida$170,7408,710
South Carolina$169,0403,200
North Carolina$167,8406,960
Arizona$167,4804,680
Michigan$166,93014,820
Ohio$166,8709,690
Pennsylvania$164,6909,640
South Dakota$164,330310
Alaska$164,260900
Illinois$163,6108,900
Wyoming$163,560n/a
Idaho$162,970850
Louisiana$162,8501,840
Alabama$162,3503,790
Nevada$161,560780
Georgia$161,4703,590
Tennessee$161,4303,600
Utah$161,1202,290
Kansas$160,1502,010
Missouri$157,8002,250
Vermont$157,710350
Oklahoma$157,3302,070
Indiana$155,8104,610
Hawaii$151,6701,220
West Virginia$149,430420
Kentucky$147,6801,800
North Dakota$147,400270
Iowa$147,3201,520
Montana$146,030560
Maine$145,720820
Mississippi$142,790860
Wisconsin$142,0604,550
Nebraska$141,0201,510
Arkansas$140,6001,220

How to become an architectural or engineering manager

This is usually a step up from another job, so the path takes years.

1) Earn a bachelor's degree[2], in engineering or architecture[16]. 2) Expect the degree to take time[17]. Architecture programs take about 5 years, and engineering programs often take about 4[17]. 3) Build experience as an architect or engineer[18]. The typical path calls for 5 years or more of related work experience[2]. Managers usually advance after years in those roles[18]. 4) Consider a master's degree[19]. Some people earn one in engineering management, technology management or business administration, either before or after moving into management[19].

The job typically needs no license. Still, managers may come from jobs that do require one. Architects must hold a license in every state, and some engineers earn a professional engineering license[20]. Some managers also choose to earn a certification[21]. Typical on-the-job training is none[2].

In an ONET survey of 23 workers, 46% said a bachelor's degree was required and 27% said a master's degree[22]. ONET places the job in Job Zone Five, which means extensive preparation is needed[23].

BLS lists analytical, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills as important[24][25][26][27].

What architectural and engineering managers do

O*NET describes the work as planning, directing or coordinating activities in architecture, engineering or related research[28]. Common tasks include:

Workers report job titles such as Civil Engineering Manager, Engineering Director and Project Engineering Manager[30].

Where they work

Most of these managers work in offices. Some work in research laboratories or industrial production plants[31]. They often supervise architects and engineers and face pressure to meet deadlines and budgets[31].

Manufacturing was the largest employer in 2025 at 35%[32].

Most work full time, and more than 40 hours a week is common, especially near deadlines[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 5.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 220,900 to 233,100 jobs[5]. That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations[34]. These counts include self-employed workers[5].

BLS expects about 14,900 openings a year on average[6]. Openings include jobs that appear when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 2% of workers leave the labor force and 4.1% move to a different occupation[35].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job for people who already work, or plan to work, as an architect or engineer. Entry usually takes a bachelor's degree and 5 years or more of related experience[2]. Pay is well above the all-occupations median[1][4], and the 90th percentile reached $262,760[3]. Growth is projected at 5.5%[5]. Hours often run past 40 a week and deadline pressure is common[31][33].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[36].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an architectural or engineering manager make an hour?
The median was $82.34 an hour in May 2025[1]. The average was $87.28 an hour[7].
What degree do you need to be an architectural or engineering manager?
A bachelor's degree is the typical entry education[2], in engineering or architecture[16].
How long does it take to become an architectural or engineering manager?
Architecture programs take about 5 years and engineering programs often about 4[17]. The typical path also needs 5 years or more of related work experience[2].
Is the job in demand?
BLS projects 5.5% growth from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations[5][34]. About 14,900 openings a year are expected[6].
Which state pays architectural and engineering managers the most?
New Mexico had the highest median at $215,120, then California at $210,280[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Architectural and Engineering Managers in the US was $171,270 per year and $82.34 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Architectural and Engineering Managers: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: 5 years or more; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Architectural and Engineering Managers: 10th percentile $120,810, 25th percentile $139,360, 75th percentile $212,500, 90th percentile $262,760. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Architectural and Engineering Managers is projected to grow 5.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 220,900 to 233,100 jobs (a change of +12,200). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 14,900 openings for Architectural and Engineering Managers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Architectural and Engineering Managers was $181,540 per year and $87.28 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Architectural and Engineering Managers: 10th percentile $58.08, 25th percentile $67.00, 75th percentile $102.16, 90th percentile $126.33. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS Employment Projections: 0.2% of Architectural and Engineering Managers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  12. Median annual wage for Architectural and Engineering Managers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Architectural and Engineering Managers (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $234,590; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $221,580; Albuquerque, NM $215,120; San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $213,070; Peoria, IL $212,820; Manchester-Nashua, NH $212,050; Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $207,900; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $207,140. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Architectural and Engineering Managers jobs: California 29,630; Texas 19,030; Michigan 14,820; Ohio 9,690; Pennsylvania 9,640. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Architectural and Engineering Managers jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 9,570 (median $190,900); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 9,260 (median $168,550); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 7,580 (median $183,890); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 6,690 (median $205,130); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 6,670 (median $163,430); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 5,970 (median $172,160). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET 11-9041.00 survey of workers (23 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 46%, Master's Degree 27%, First Professional Degree 12%, Post-Master's Certificate 12% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  23. O*NET 11-9041.00: Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed. 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. O*NET OnLine
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. O*NET description of Architectural and Engineering Managers. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET task list for Architectural and Engineering Managers. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET 11-9041.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Civil Engineering Manager, Electrical Engineering Manager, Engineering Director, Engineering Group Manager, Engineering Program Manager, Mechanical Engineering Manager, Process Engineering Manager, Project Engineering Manager. O*NET OnLine
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of architectural and engineering managers in 2025: Manufacturing 35%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Architectural and Engineering Managers: 2% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.1% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.