Architecture and engineering occupation profiles

Overview:

Distinct Groups (35)

Employment: 2,499,050

Mean Hourly Wage: $40.53

Mean Annual Wage: $84,300

Largest Employment Category—Civil Engineers–287,800

Smallest Employment Category —Agricultural Engineers–1,980

Wages for the entire group can be found here.

The Architecture and Engineering occupation profiles compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in May 2016 and modified in March 2017) include specific information about 35 distinct occupational job types.

Explore the qualifications and nature of each job type through links on this page and throughout the site.

If you are interested in assessing long-term trends and comparing the Bureau’s annual surveys beginning in 1988.

Fast Facts: The Bureau of labor Statistics (“BLS”) estimates that 2,499,050 are employed in the Architectural and Engineering occupational group earning the “mean annual wage” (as defined below) of $84,300.

In general, the “mean” is the sum of the total values (e.g., wages) in the data set or survey divided by number of values (while the “median” is the middle value in same the sequence). The term “mean annual wage” (or “MAW”) is calculated by multiplying the mean hourly wage as determined by the BLS by a “year-round, full-time” hours figure of 2,080 hours. So, for example, the Architecture and Engineering group’s mean hourly wage of $40.528, multiplied by 2,080, results in the mean annual wage of $84,300.

Did you know? The metropolitan area with the highest employment level, that is not located in a State typically noted for employment in this occupational group is…. Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division (with 52,790 workers). Similarly, you might never guess the metropolitan with the highest concentration of jobs in this group. It’s not in California, Michigan, Texas or even New York. California-Lexington Park, MD has a surprising 119.14 jobs per 1,000 jobs in the Architecture and Engineering occupational group.

Highest Paid (mean annual wage)

  • Petroleum Engineers ($147,030)
  • Computer Hardware Engineers ($118,700)
  • Aerospace Engineers ($112,010)
  • Nuclear Engineers ($105,950)
  • Chemical Engineers ($105,420)

Lowest Paid (from lowest)

  • Surveying and Mapping Technicians ($45,490)
  • Civil Engineering Technicians ($52,120)
  • Environment Engineering Technicians ($52,500)
  • Architectural and Civil Drafters ($54,290)
  • Drafters, All Others ($54,410)

For the entire list of mean annual wages for this occupation (from highest to lowest),

Sources: In addition to specific citations noted, supplementary source materials include the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.