What is an Architect?
Architect Example Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
What Do Architects Do On a Daily Basis?
- Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentation to generate new work opportunities.
- Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.
- Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
- Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.
- Gather information related to projects’ environmental sustainability or operational efficiency.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Architect?
When polled, Architects say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles
- Supervising Architect
- Architectural Designer
- Project Architect
- Location Worker
- Commercial Green Retrofit Architect
Job Outlook for Architects
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 128,800 jobs in the United States for Architect. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,400 new jobs for Architect by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Architect are Colorado, Utah, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Mississippi, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Architects Salary
The typical yearly salary for Architects is somewhere between $48,020 and $138,120.
Architects who work in Massachusetts, Alaska, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Architects in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $91,380 |
Alaska | $93,390 |
Arizona | $95,220 |
Arkansas | $69,470 |
California | $95,060 |
Colorado | $73,090 |
Connecticut | $83,530 |
Delaware | $83,410 |
District of Columbia | $100,770 |
Florida | $82,710 |
Hawaii | $75,410 |
Idaho | $71,190 |
Illinois | $79,520 |
Indiana | $79,760 |
Iowa | $76,290 |
Kansas | $77,950 |
Kentucky | $73,580 |
Louisiana | $75,710 |
Maine | $70,470 |
Maryland | $87,790 |
Massachusetts | $103,920 |
Michigan | $75,100 |
Minnesota | $88,020 |
Mississippi | $72,780 |
Missouri | $76,580 |
Nebraska | $86,410 |
Nevada | $74,620 |
New Hampshire | $89,260 |
New Jersey | $83,590 |
New Mexico | $72,740 |
New York | $109,520 |
North Carolina | $84,980 |
North Dakota | $79,570 |
Ohio | $82,640 |
Oklahoma | $86,270 |
Oregon | $84,430 |
Pennsylvania | $79,440 |
Rhode Island | $79,120 |
South Carolina | $85,610 |
South Dakota | $80,310 |
Tennessee | $80,750 |
Texas | $99,580 |
Utah | $67,540 |
Vermont | $71,770 |
Virginia | $85,380 |
Washington | $79,020 |
West Virginia | $89,200 |
Wisconsin | $78,110 |
Wyoming | $85,400 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Architects
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Architects may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Bentley MicroStation
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Becoming an Architect
Are there Architects education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Architects Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Architect might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Danichou via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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