by our College Data Analytics TeamBehind every great building and skyscraper there is an architectural engineer technician. The planning and drafting that takes place is commonly credited to the architect, however architectural engineer technicians are the backbone of the theses creations. A program in Architectural Engineering Technologies prepares students to apply technical skills and engineering principles to assist architects, planners, and engineers to design and develop buildings and cities. Students will develop skills in engineering drawing, building site analysis, analyzing prototypes of mechanical and interior systems, as well as model building and computer graphics.
This major brings together the elements of both building design and construction. Classes focus on engineering, math, science and construction, as well as architectural history and design. Course load for this field includes construction materials and methods, energy conservation in buildings, and architectural design fundamentals.
Architectural Engineering Technologies is available as a Bachelors and Associate's degree. Those who are seeking entry level positions in the field would consider obtaining an Associate's, however if you are more interested in advanced positions you might consider a Bachelor's degree. While this profession generates a respectable salary, receiving a Bachelor's degree will also increase your earnings and lead to more potential job advancement.
Studying Architectural Engineering Technology involves the study of Architectural Engineering Technologies/technicians. Read on to learn the key facts every architectural engineering technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering architectural engineering technology programs.
Across the country, architectural engineering technology is a widely-pursued major, with 1,557 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Architectural Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 74 schools to determine the best overall colleges for architectural engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of architectural engineering technology programs later in this article.
Programs in Architectural Engineering Technology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations architectural engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
This field draws individuals who are both highly creative and interested in technology. Students should be interested in math and science, and be resourceful problem solvers. To prepare for this field, a course load in geometry, chemistry, and engineering concepts would be beneficial. Summer projects and internships are another way for students to explore what this field has to offer.
Skills built by a architectural engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a architectural engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several architectural engineering technology 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 | 21 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 645 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 412 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 472 |
People currently working in careers related to architectural engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 34.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 24.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 13.4% |
| Some college courses | 12.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 11.8% |
| Master’s degree | 1.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.6% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in architectural engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in Architectural Engineering Technology allows students to assist the process of designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. Graduates often find themselves on a team of developers and architects. These technicians have the responsibilities of selecting materials used, approximating project costs and determining the economic testing of the building's mechanical and electrical systems. Their job is to oversee that the projects run smoothly and technical aspects are addressed. Architectural Engineering Technicians are in high demand.
Studying architectural engineering technology can lead to a variety of career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to architectural engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to architectural engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 261,905 | 11.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 114,684 | 13.5% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of architectural engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $62,677 |
| 4 years | $63,449 |
| 5 years | $65,836 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for architectural engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers architectural engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $86,216 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
With 74 different architectural engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased architectural engineering technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering architectural engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 1,557 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
