Architecture is a dynamic and multifaceted field, but several other professions share similar job duties, responsibilities, and skill sets. For those considering careers in related fields, it’s helpful to understand the scope of these occupations, their educational requirements, and the typical pay they offer.
This article outlines various occupations that are closely aligned with architecture, presenting key details on job duties, entry-level education, and median pay for 2023, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Table of Contents
1. Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Job Duties: Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating activities in both architecture and engineering fields. Their tasks involve overseeing projects, managing teams, and ensuring that operations align with technical and budgetary goals.
- Entry-Level Education: A Bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $165,370
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $51.63 | $63.89 | $79.50 | $97.61 | $112.31 |
| Annual Wage | $107,390 | $132,890 | $165,370 | $203,030 | $233,590 |
Architectural and engineering managers hold one of the highest-paying positions among similar occupations. Their role demands strong leadership and management skills, often involving coordination between multiple departments, clients, and external stakeholders to ensure project success.
2. Civil Engineers
- Job Duties: Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water supply systems. Their work often overlaps with architecture when it comes to designing the structural aspects of large-scale projects.
- Entry-Level Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $95,890
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $30.40 | $36.78 | $46.10 | $59.14 | $72.42 |
| Annual Wage | $63,220 | $76,500 | $95,890 | $123,010 | $150,640 |
Civil engineers play a crucial role in shaping the built environment, working alongside architects to ensure that buildings and infrastructure projects are both safe and functional. This makes civil engineering one of the closest professions to architecture in terms of job responsibilities.
3. Construction and Building Inspectors
- Job Duties: Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction projects comply with building codes, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. They inspect buildings throughout the construction process to ensure they meet all safety standards and legal requirements.
- Entry-Level Education: A High school diploma or equivalent is typically required, although additional certification may be necessary.
- 2023 Median Pay: $67,700
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $21.03 | $25.67 | $32.55 | $41.60 | $51.06 |
| Annual Wage | $43,740 | $53,400 | $67,700 | $86,530 | $106,200 |
Though less educationally demanding, construction inspectors play an essential role in ensuring that the work of architects, engineers, and construction teams meets all legal and safety standards. This occupation is ideal for individuals interested in architecture and construction but seeking a shorter educational path.
4. Construction Managers
- Job Duties: Construction managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects from inception to completion. They work closely with architects and engineers to ensure that the project meets design specifications and stays on schedule and within budget.
- Entry-Level Education: A Bachelor’s degree is generally required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $104,900
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $31.00 | $39.25 | $50.43 | $65.17 | $82.71 |
| Annual Wage | $64,480 | $81,640 | $104,900 | $135,550 | $172,040 |
Construction managers bridge the gap between design and execution, working directly with architects and engineers to bring blueprints to life. Their role involves significant decision-making power and requires excellent project management skills.
5. Drafters
- Job Duties: Drafters convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings, which are essential for the construction and manufacturing process. They use CADD (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting) software to create detailed schematics.
- Entry-Level Education: An Associate’s degree is required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $61,820
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $19.09 | $23.88 | $29.72 | $37.03 | $45.47 |
| Annual Wage | $39,720 | $49,660 | $61,820 | $77,020 | $94,580 |
Drafters work closely with architects to translate their designs into practical, detailed plans that can be used by construction teams. This profession is ideal for individuals with strong technical skills and an interest in architectural design.
6. Industrial Designers
- Job Duties: Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop concepts for manufactured products, ranging from cars to home appliances. They must ensure that the product is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and manufacturable.
- Entry-Level Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $76,250
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $22.37 | $28.45 | $36.66 | $47.74 | $60.58 |
| Annual Wage | $46,530 | $59,170 | $76,250 | $99,290 | $126,010 |
While industrial design is more focused on product development than buildings, many of the creative and technical skills overlap with architecture. Both fields require a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and practical application.
7. Landscape Architects
- Job Duties: Landscape architects design parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces. Their work involves planning the layout and design of land, plants, and structures in outdoor environments, balancing aesthetics with functionality and sustainability.
- Entry-Level Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $79,320
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $24.04 | $29.58 | $38.13 | $46.71 | $60.38 |
| Annual Wage | $50,000 | $61,520 | $79,320 | $97,170 | $125,600 |
Landscape architects work in close collaboration with traditional architects to create harmonious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Their focus is on the natural environment and how it interacts with built structures.
8. Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Job Duties: Surveying and mapping technicians collect data to make maps of the Earth’s surface. They are involved in creating detailed maps and plans used in construction, land development, and natural resource management.
- Entry-Level Education: A High school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $48,940
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $16.87 | $19.13 | $23.53 | $30.07 | $38.05 |
| Annual Wage | $35,080 | $39,790 | $48,940 | $62,540 | $79,150 |
While surveying and mapping technicians don’t directly engage in architectural design, their work is critical in providing the data needed for architects and engineers to plan their projects accurately.
9. Surveyors
- Job Duties: Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. Their work helps define legal property lines, which are essential for construction projects and land development.
- Entry-Level Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $68,540
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $19.92 | $24.51 | $32.95 | $44.00 | $52.72 |
| Annual Wage | $41,430 | $50,970 | $68,540 | $91,520 | $109,660 |
Surveyors ensure that construction projects are built within the correct property lines, providing essential data that architects and construction managers rely on. This occupation is key in the early stages of land development and project planning.
10. Urban and Regional Planners
- Job Duties: Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities in cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. They ensure that communities grow in an organized, sustainable way, often working closely with architects and civil engineers.
- Entry-Level Education: A Master’s degree is required.
- 2023 Median Pay: $81,800
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $24.74 | $30.69 | $39.33 | $49.49 | $60.64 |
| Annual Wage | $51,470 | $63,830 | $81,800 | $102,930 | $126,120 |
Urban and regional planners work on a larger scale than architects, focusing on the planning and development of entire communities rather than individual buildings. However, the two professions often collaborate to ensure that cities and towns are developed in a cohesive, functional manner.
FAQ: Similar Occupations to Architects
1. What are some professions similar to architecture?
Careers like urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design share commonalities with architecture, including design skills and project management. To understand more about the core responsibilities of architects and how they compare, see What Architects Do.
2. How do the work environments of similar professions differ?
While architects often work both in offices and on-site, other design-related roles may vary. For example, landscape architects frequently work outdoors, and interior designers work primarily indoors. Discover more about where architects work in The Work Environment of Architects.
3. What training is required for these similar occupations?
While all design-related professions require specialized education, specific training varies. For example, urban planners may focus on policy, while interior designers concentrate on spatial aesthetics. Learn about the architect path in How to Become an Architect.
4. How do salaries compare across these professions?
Architects generally have competitive salaries, but pay varies widely across related fields, influenced by factors such as location and specialization. For architect salary details, check Pay for Architects.
5. What is the job outlook for related fields?
Each profession has a unique growth trajectory; for instance, landscape architecture may see demand tied to environmental projects, while urban planning is influenced by city development needs. For projections specific to architects, see Job Outlook for Architects.
6. Where can I find a summary of architect career details?
For quick facts on architects and related job specifics, refer to Quick Facts: Architects.
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