Architecture calls for well-rounded individuals who are not only creative, but also are versed in math and engineering. On its surface, architecture seems specific. But the skills taught through architecture programs can prepare individuals for a wide range of occupations, including jobs in education, design and fine art.
Here is a list of 12 possible jobs for architecture majors:
Common Jobs For Architecture Majors
1. Architect
Architects design and help oversee the construction of buildings where people live, work and entertain themselves. To be successful, they should be versatile individuals who are competent in math, design and communication, among other things. Oftentimes, architects are there from the beginning to the completion of a project, starting with a detailed drawing of a potential building or structure and not leaving until it is standing and habitable.
While it can be a very rewarding experience, becoming a professional architect is no simple task. After completing a bachelor’s degree program in architecture, aspiring professionals often have to earn a master’s degree in the subject, complete an internship or apprenticeship, and become state-certified by passing the Architect Registration Examination, all before they can start their careers.
Median annual wage: $72,020
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree & state license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1.8%
2. Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design parks and outdoor spaces. Most often, they work in architectural or engineering firms, though some are hired by the government. They work closely with building architects, urban planners, and engineers to figure out how to best organize an outdoor space for their clients. They analyze the environment, landscape and condition of the area that is to be developed, draft plans, and oversee the development of the space. While a bachelor’s degree in architecture may be enough to earn an entry-level job or apprenticeship, a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree may be needed to earn more advanced positions.
Median annual wage: $65,760
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree/Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 5%
3. Architecture Professor
After years of professional work, some architecture majors choose to return to the university setting. But in addition to being a versed architect, those who aspire to teach at the postsecondary level should be patient, organized, enthusiastic and good communicators. To earn a job as a professor, a master’s degree (and sometimes a doctorate degree), is required. In addition to teaching, some college professors also conduct research and write scholarly articles.
Median annual wage: $80,050
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%
Specialized, Unique Jobs for Architecture Majors
4. Residential Architect
As the title suggests, residential architects specialize in designing homes. Typically, when someone is interested in building their own home, they meet with a residential architect who helps them develop a construction plan and gives them an estimate of how much the project would cost. Some residential architects work for larger companies, and others work as independent freelancers. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in architecture, aspiring residential architects must earn their state certification by passing the Architect Registration Examination.
Median annual wage: $76,100
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1.8%
5. Architectural Historian
Broadly, architectural historians work to safeguard and restore buildings with historical value or significance. They can be asked to complete a diverse range of tasks, from studying how to preserve ancient buildings to giving historical tours. Generally, they are employed by historical societies, research organizations, universities and government bodies that wish to preserve historic buildings. Typically, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related subject, those who aspire to become an architectural historian will need a master’s degree in architectural history or art conservation.
Median annual wage: $50,051
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: N/A
6. Urban Planner
Urban planners, also called regional or city planners, develop plans for public spaces and unused land to develop communities, improve public spaces and infrastructure, and drive settlement growth. The vast majority of urban planners work in government at the local and state levels, though some may work for architectural, engineering, or consulting firms. In any case, they will often have to work with local officials and government bureaucrats to determine how best to develop an area in compliance with zoning, building, and environmental regulations. They may also work with a range of experts, such as economists and environmental scientists, to figure out how to best utilize and develop a public space. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in architecture, geography or a related subject, aspiring urban planners need a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
Median annual wage: $71,490
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 13%
Non-Traditional Jobs for Architecture Majors
7. Naval Architect
Naval architects are tasked with designing and overseeing the construction of ships. Largely, naval architecture calls for many of the same skills as traditional architecture, as both fields are in need of creative employees who are also versed in math and engineering. However, while a bachelor’s degree in architecture could serve as a stepping stone into a career as a naval architect, a degree in a more specific field, such as marine engineering, may be needed to earn a job. Starting off, many aspiring naval architects work as an apprentice to more experienced workers. And to advance in the field, a state-certified license is needed.
Median annual wage: $90,970
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1%
8. Construction Manager
Construction managers work alongside architects to ensure a safe and sufficient building process. They help architects create budgets, building plans and deadlines, and they commonly are in charge of hiring and managing a staff of workers. While a bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management or a related field will open up the most opportunities for employment, a four-year degree isn’t always needed to earn a job. Many two-year colleges offer associate degree programs in construction management. However, it is unusual to earn a job as a construction manager right after graduation. Generally, to earn a job, aspiring construction managers must have several years of construction experience and have passed the proper certification test.
Median annual wage: $91,370
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 7%
9. Artist
Most people don’t study architecture in college to become an artist, but their knowledge of design transfers well to the field. Artists are typically self-employed or are represented by a gallery that helps promote and sell their work. Most of their money comes from sales of their work or from commissions on large-scale, public, and permanent works. Many artists also seek grant funding for their projects. In general, artists enjoy a great deal of creative autonomy, and may work with a variety of mediums. Financial stability can be hard to come by, however, and plenty of artists are forced to find additional employment or sources of income.
Median annual wage: $49,520
Common entry-level degree: None required
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 4%
Other Potential Jobs For Architecture Majors
10. Surveyor
Surveyors specialize in precisely measuring the boundaries and geography of an area of land, typically the boundaries of a property. They mark the legal boundaries of property lines to prevent disputes and assist in development planning. Using GPS and GIS technology, they locate important reference points and develop plots and maps that can be used by developers and lawyers. These maps include the boundaries of the property and oftentimes important features of the land, such as forested areas, structures, or landmarks. While a bachelor’s degree in architecture may be enough to earn an entry level job or apprenticeship with a surveyor, some employers like to hire people with a degree in surveying, mapping or a closely related field.
Median annual wage: $61,140
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 38%
11. Interior Designer
While there is no required degree to become an interior designer, architecture majors often possess the design skills and creative eye to effectively transform an indoor space. Broadly, interior designers try to bring style and uniqueness to a room, house or building by choosing various pieces of furniture, lighting and other decorative items. While some interior designers may work for agencies or furniture stores, many of them are self-employed, freelance workers. But to work professionally in some states, aspiring interior designers may have to pass a certification exam.
Median annual wage: $51,500
Common entry-level degree: State certificate
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 2%
12. Graphic Designer
It is not unheard of for architecture majors to transition to graphic design. They often possess the artistic gene and knack for creating that transfers well to the career. However, since they don’t have a graphic design degree to show to potential employers, it is especially important that they create a strong portfolio that demonstrates their work.
Typically, graphic designers work as self-employed freelancers or for a design firm. Others are employed by advertising agencies or by companies with an in-house design department. Graphic designers need strong illustration skills and a proficiency in digital illustration, photo-editing and layout softwares.
Median annual wage: $48,700
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 8%
10 Famous Architects
- Norman Foster
- Antoni Gaudí
- Frank Gehry
- Zaha Hadid
- Philip Johnson
- Maya Lin
- Michelangelo
- I.M. Pei
- Mies Van der Rohe
- Frank Lloyd Wright
To explore options for other majors, click here.
