What You Need to Know About Architect
Career Description Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
List of Architect Job Duties
- Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentation to generate new work opportunities.
- Prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, or reports.
- Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
- Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
- Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
- Administer construction contracts.
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Qualities of an Architect
Below is a list of the skills most Architects say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Architect Jobs
- Green Building Design Specialist
- Facility Designer
- Plumbing Designer
- Residential Designer
- Principal, Architectural Firm
What Kind of Architect Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 128,800 jobs for Architect in 2016. 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.
How Much Does an Architect Make?
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 |
What Tools do Architects Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Architects:
- 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
How to Become an Architect
What education or degrees do I need to become an Architect?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Architect?
Who Employs Architects?
The table below shows the approximate number of Architects employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Architect may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Danichou via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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