Aptly
Careers · Architecture and engineering

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Architects plan and design buildings such as residences, office buildings, theaters, and factories. They create structural designs and oversee construction projects. Most architects work in architectural firms, though some are self-employed or work for government agencies and construction companies.

$99,280median pay, U.S., per year
$77,960–$126,550middle half earn
107Kemployed in the U.S.
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against architects, except landscape and naval and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

A day in the work

An architect's week typically involves meeting with clients to understand project requirements, creating detailed drawings and specifications using computer-aided design software, reviewing building codes and regulations, and collaborating with engineers and construction teams. They may spend time at construction sites inspecting work progress, revising designs based on feedback, and preparing presentations for clients or stakeholders.

Who this work suits

Realistic
65Conventional
57Artistic
52Investigative
48Enterprising
44Social
25

Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely enjoy solving practical problems with concrete, measurable solutions and prefer working within established standards and procedures. You tend to be detail-oriented, analytical, and interested in how things are built and organized in the real world.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience).

Skills that matter most

Critical ThinkingOperations AnalysisReading ComprehensionSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningWritingMonitoring

Knowledge areas

DesignBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityEnglish Language

Who is hiring

844open roles like this on employer career sites
92employers hiring
282posted in the last 7 days
Remote · CA · NYwhere most openings are

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Wyoming$78,910$120,580$123,500130
Massachusetts$87,050$117,330$127,7804,590
Maryland$81,280$114,550$148,7001,800
Alaska$79,330$108,730$129,990210
California$85,990$108,540$152,43013,270
Rhode Island$79,810$105,160$126,030550
Connecticut$78,510$103,540$124,1501,200
South Dakota$76,890$102,500$128,200180
Colorado$80,660$102,400$128,9503,290
Hawaii$73,690$102,340$107,370600
District of Columbia$78,110$102,040$130,2001,700
Arizona$84,080$102,000$124,3901,550
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against architects, except landscape and naval and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 17-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.