Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Architectural or Engineering Manager Architectural and engineering managers advance to their positions after years of employment as an architect or engineer. To enter the occupation, architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer.
Education
Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture. Bachelor’s degree programs in architecture and engineering usually include coursework in mathematics and physical sciences. In addition, architecture programs may include courses such as architectural history and theory, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), and construction methods; these programs take about 5 years to complete. Engineering programs vary by concentration and often take about 4 years of classroom, laboratory, and field studies in engineering principles and systems. Architectural and engineering managers or prospective managers may complete a master’s degree in engineering management (MEM or MsEM), technology management (MSTM), or business administration (MBA). Some earn their master’s degree before entering a management position; others earn it while working as a manager. Typically, those who prefer to manage in technical areas pursue an MsEM or MSTM, and those interested in general management skills earn an MBA. Engineering and technology management programs include courses such as accounting, marketing, and finance that focus on the particular field. Programs in engineering management also include coursework in supply chain management and product development. Programs in technology management include courses in information security and systems development.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Architectural and engineering managers typically do not need a license. However, these managers may advance from other occupations that do require licensure. For example, all states require architects to be licensed, and some engineers obtain a professional engineering (PE) license. Contact your state licensing board for more information. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Some managers choose to earn certification. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Architectural and engineering managers typically advance to their positions after years of experience as an architect or engineer. In those positions, they may have worked on complex projects, developed designs, solved problems, and led teams.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 14,900 openings for architectural and engineering managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Employment growth of these managers largely reflects the overall demand for architectural and engineering workers. Demand for civil engineering services is expected to continue to grow as the nation’s aging infrastructure requires repair and as the electrical grid requires updates and expansion. These managers also are expected to be needed for projects such as renewable energy construction and design. Architectural and Engineering Managers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Other management occupations 6% Architectural and engineering managers 6% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Architectural and Engineering Managers Do
Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.
Duties
Architectural and engineering managers typically do the following:
- Make detailed plans to research and develop products, processes, or designs
- Determine staff, training, and equipment needs
- Propose budgets for projects and programs
- Hire and supervise staff
- Oversee research and development projects, including directing staff output and quality
- Coordinate work and collaborate with other staff and managers
Architectural and engineering managers use their knowledge of architecture or engineering to oversee a variety of activities. They may direct and coordinate construction or manufacturing related to production, operations, quality assurance, testing, or maintenance.
As part of their oversight responsibilities, architectural and engineering managers set goals and develop detailed plans, including production schedules. They also prepare budgets for projects, staff, and equipment needs. In this way, managers anticipate problems that may arise and which might otherwise hinder a project’s completion.
Architectural and engineering managers hire staff and assign them to carry out specific parts of a project. They also supervise employees’ work, which may include collaborating with other organizations, to monitor the project’s quality and progress through completion.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Architectural and engineering managers held about 220,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of architectural and engineering managers were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 35% |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 26 |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 8 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 6 |
| Scientific research and development services | 6 |
Most architectural and engineering managers work in offices. Some work in settings such as research laboratories or industrial production plants. These managers may work in groups and supervise other staff members, such as architects and engineers. They are often under pressure to meet deadlines and budgets.
Work Schedules
Most architectural and engineering managers work full time. Working more than 40 hours a week is common, especially when meeting deadlines.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Architectural and engineering managers evaluate information to solve problems. Communication skills. Architectural and engineering managers must effectively convey information and expectations related to projects. Interpersonal skills. Architectural and engineering managers must be able to collaborate with other staff to meet deadlines and achieve goals. Leadership skills. Architectural and engineering managers lead teams, which requires an ability to organize, direct, and motivate others. Math skills. Architectural and engineering managers use calculus and other mathematics to develop new products and processes. Organizational skills. Architectural and engineering managers keep track of many workers, schedules, and budgets simultaneously.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about architectural and engineering managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.