Aptly
Careers · Management

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate technical projects and teams in fields like construction, infrastructure, product design, and research and development. They work in architecture firms, engineering companies, construction firms, government agencies, and private corporations, overseeing budgets, schedules, and personnel while ensuring projects meet technical and regulatory standards.

$171,270median pay, U.S., per year
$139,360–$212,500middle half earn
220Kemployed in the U.S.
Master’s degreetypical education · 99% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves reviewing project timelines and budgets, meeting with engineering or architectural teams to assess progress, communicating with clients about deliverables, and making decisions on technical problems. Managers spend time evaluating proposals, approving designs, managing personnel, and attending coordination meetings with other departments. They balance administrative responsibilities with staying current on technical developments in their field.

Who this work suits

Enterprising
90Investigative
59Conventional
57Realistic
33Social
33Artistic
27

Holland code EIC. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to enjoy solving complex technical problems while also taking charge of people and projects. You're drawn to investigating how systems work and making strategic business decisions, and you have the background—typically a master's degree and years of field experience—to credibly lead technical professionals.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingMathematicsCritical ThinkingActive Learning

Knowledge areas

DesignEngineering and TechnologyMathematics (knowledge)Administration and ManagementEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal Service

Who is hiring

907open roles like this on employer career sites
117employers hiring
303posted 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
New Mexico$208,290$215,120$259,6802,270
California$169,140$210,280$251,89029,630
Massachusetts$166,430$201,430$226,6807,690
Washington$166,270$189,680$217,0706,060
District of Columbia$161,470$185,220$195,1901,290
Colorado$165,420$183,810$225,1004,900
Delaware$161,890$181,190$197,590560
New Jersey$154,970$180,640$221,9604,540
Oregon$154,700$177,190$209,820—
Virginia$147,770$176,160$213,1804,390
Rhode Island$137,540$175,910$213,520370
New York$149,070$175,710$215,1408,250
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 architectural and engineering managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 11-9041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.