Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 44.9%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $48535 and average student debt of $21810, the financial outlook for Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $48535, and the average student debt is $21810, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.45—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 1261 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Many students go on to become Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, a role with a projected 2.0% growth rate. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.0101) is a practice-oriented field that focuses on the technical side of building design and construction. While an architect focuses on the aesthetic and functional "vision" of a building, the architectural technologist focuses on the structural integrity, environmental systems, and digital modeling required to make that vision a reality. It is a field for "detail-oriented builders" who want to master the software and science that keep modern buildings safe, efficient, and sustainable.
This field is ideal for "technical designers"—individuals who enjoy the precision of drafting and the logic of engineering, but want to see their work manifested in the physical skyline.
What Is an Architectural Engineering Technology Degree?
A degree in this field is an applied STEM path that emphasizes Building Information Modeling (BIM), construction materials, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems. You will study how to translate complex architectural sketches into precise technical documents. It is less about the "art" of architecture and more about the "science" of construction. It prepares you to be a vital link between the architect’s office and the construction site.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "BIM Managers" who coordinate complex 3D digital models for skyscrapers and hospitals
- Develop experts in Sustainable Building Systems, focusing on energy efficiency and LEED certification
- Prepare professionals for Technical Drafting, producing the blueprints used by contractors and engineers
- Study Construction Materials, understanding how steel, wood, and glass behave under different loads
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that a building is a "machine for living"; it requires a delicate balance of structure, climate control, and electrical power to function effectively.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Revit and AutoCAD—the industry-standard software for 3D modeling and 2D drafting
- Use "Energy Simulation Software" to predict a building's carbon footprint and heating needs
- Design Building Envelopes—ensuring walls and roofs are waterproof and well-insulated
- Perform Code Analysis to ensure designs meet strict fire safety and accessibility (ADA) laws
- Utilize Structural Analysis Tools to help engineers verify that a building can withstand wind or snow
- Understand Construction Estimating—calculating the cost of materials and labor for a project
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of architectural history, engineering math, and digital production:
- Building Systems: The study of HVAC, lighting, and plumbing integration.
- Statics and Strengths: Understanding the forces that keep buildings standing.
- Sustainable Design: Exploring "green" roofs, solar integration, and recycled materials.
- Construction Documents: Learning how to create a complete "set of plans" for a building.
- Surveying: Learning how to measure land and position a building on a site correctly.
- Project Management: Coordinating the timeline and communication between various contractors.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as high-level technicians and coordinators in architecture firms, construction companies, and engineering consultancies.
Common job roles include:
- Architectural Technologist: Developing the technical details and specifications for building designs.
- BIM Coordinator: Managing the 3D digital data and "clash detection" between different building systems.
- Construction Estimator: Determining the budget and material needs for major building projects.
- Technical Drafter: Creating the precise structural drawings used by construction crews.
- Building Inspector: Working for local governments to ensure buildings are built safely and to code.
- Sustainability Consultant: Helping firms optimize their designs for energy savings.
Where Can You Work?
Architectural technicians are the backbone of the "Built Environment" industry:
- Architecture and Engineering Firms: Working on projects ranging from residential homes to stadiums.
- Construction Companies: Providing the technical expertise needed to execute complex builds.
- Real Estate Developers: Helping plan and visualize new commercial and residential communities.
- Government Planning Offices: Reviewing building plans and managing public infrastructure.
- Manufacturing Firms: Designing the prefabricated components used in modern modular construction.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because of the heavy reliance on BIM and digital technology in modern construction, skilled technicians are in high demand.
- Architectural Technologists: Median annual salary of approximately $65,000–$85,000.
- BIM Managers/Coordinators: Salaries typically range from $80,000 to $115,000+.
- Senior Estimators: Median annual salary of around $90,000–$120,000.
- Entry-Level Technicians: Often start between $50,000 and $65,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the technical precision. You must be proficient in Geometry and Physics. Unlike the "conceptual" side of architecture, there is no room for error in a technical drawing; a 6-inch mistake on a plan can lead to a million-dollar problem on a job site. It requires a highly organized and methodical mindset—you must be comfortable spending long hours mastering complex software and staying up-to-date with ever-changing building codes.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love architecture but prefer the "how it works" side over the "how it looks" side
- Enjoy using high-end computers and 3D modeling software
- Are the person who notices the details in a building's construction or materials
- Want a career that balances creative problem-solving with rigorous technical standards
- Are interested in the "future of housing" and sustainable urban development
How to Prepare in High School
- Take Algebra, Geometry, and Physics; these are the foundation of building science
- Learn basic CAD software (SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Revit if available)
- Join a "SkillsUSA" or "ACE Mentorship" program to get exposure to the construction industry
- Practice your Drawing and Spatial Reasoning—being able to visualize 3D objects from 2D plans is key
- Read about Passive House and Net-Zero Building to see where the industry is moving
The ability to apply technical rigor and digital mastery to the creation of the safe, sustainable, and functional structures of the future is the hallmark of a successful architectural engineering technology professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor