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Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Architecture teachers at colleges and universities instruct students in architectural design, environmental design, interior architecture, and landscape architecture. They work in academic settings, teaching both theory and applied design skills. Most combine teaching with research and professional practice in their field.

$96,870median pay, U.S., per year
$74,970–$128,510middle half earn
7,700employed in the U.S.
Docttypical education · 91% 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 includes preparing and delivering lectures on design principles and building systems, critiquing student design projects and drawings, holding office hours to advise students, and grading assignments and portfolios. Teachers may also work on their own research, serve on department committees, and occasionally meet with professional partners or firms for collaboration projects.

Who this work suits

Social
96Investigative
69Artistic
58Realistic
41Conventional
37Enterprising
24

Holland code SIA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely enjoy investigating how buildings and spaces work and why people interact with them in certain ways. You're drawn to both the social aspect of understanding how design affects human experience and the systematic, analytical side of solving complex design problems.

What it takes

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

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionSpeakingLearning StrategiesInstructingActive ListeningWritingCritical ThinkingActive Learning

Knowledge areas

DesignEnglish LanguageBuilding and ConstructionEducation and TrainingCommunications and MediaComputers and Electronics

Pay by state

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.

Related occupations

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

O*NET-SOC 25-1031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.