by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Architectural Technology/Technician explores Architectural Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Assist Architects In Developing Plans And Related Documentation And In Performing Architectural Office Services. Includes Instruction In Architectural Drafting, Computer-Assisted Drafting And Design, Construction Methods And Materials, Environmental Systems, Building Codes And Standards, Structural Principles, Cost Estimation, Planning Documentation, Visual Communication Skills, Display Production, And Architectural Office Management. Continue reading for the important information every architectural technology/technician major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering architectural technology/technician programs.
Nationwide, architectural technology/technician is a widely-pursued major, with 1,273 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Architectural Technology/Technician Schools ranking analyzes these 66 schools to determine the best overall colleges for architectural technology/technician students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of architectural technology/technician programs later in this article.
Studies in Architectural Technology/Technician emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations architectural technology/technician graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a architectural technology/technician program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a architectural technology/technician major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several architectural technology/technician degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 95 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 550 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 97 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 531 |
A degree in architectural technology/technician prepares you for a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to architectural technology/technician.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to architectural technology/technician.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 114,684 | 13.5% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of architectural technology/technician graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,693 |
| 4 years | $64,053 |
| 5 years | $73,273 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for architectural technology/technician graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers architectural technology/technician grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
With 66 different architectural technology/technician programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased architectural technology/technician school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in architectural technology/technician, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology | 8,535 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other | 6 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
