Most Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $50,908 right after finishing, climbing to $82,320 four years out.
About Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $82,320 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 99 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,261 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$50,908
Median Earnings · 4yr
$82,320
Colleges Offering
99
Graduates / Year
1,261
Avg Net Price / yr
$13,291
How Much Do Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $82,320 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,190 and $98,862. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $50,908 climbs to $82,320 by year four.
$50,908
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$82,320
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$71,688
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$61,19025th pct.
$82,320Median
$98,86275th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $82,320 against an estimated $53,164 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 17 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 1,261 students who complete Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (58%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
58%34%
Associate's58%
Bachelor's34%
Master's4%
What Can You Do With an Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians Degree?
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Architectural and Civil Drafters leads at $66,150/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Reading ComprehensionSystems AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningCritical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
Top Colleges for Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
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The data on Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians shows 4 measurable strengths and 0 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $82,320 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $50,908 at graduation to $82,320 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 15,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $98,862, a strong ceiling for high performers.
How much do Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $82,320 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,190 and $98,862. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $50,908. That climbs to $82,320 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree?
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Architectural and Civil Drafters, which pays a median of $66,150/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians program take?
A Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians?
99 colleges and universities in the United States offer Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $82,320 and an average net price of roughly $13,291/yr, a Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians and Engineering Tech?
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Architectural and Civil Drafters is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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