General
Architectural Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Architectural Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$67,000
Median Salary
$114,449
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
14.4%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,577,960
Entry (Early)
$67,000
Median (Prime)
$114,449
High (Prime)
$124,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+138k
+521k
+598k
$25k / yr
+48k
+431k
+508k
$50k / yr
-42k
+341k
+418k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
30
24
24
$25k / yr
44
27
27
$50k / yr
Never
31
30
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
44%
397%
467%
$50k / yr
-19%
157%
192%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate30.8%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Civil engineers
20.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$73,158
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$103,084|$99,590
openings
23,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
Construction managers
7.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,300
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$119,558|$106,980
openings
46,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.7%
Architects, except landscape and naval
5.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$67,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$101,625|$96,690
openings
7,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.9%
Engineers, All Other
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$71,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Management occupations
4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,020
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,861|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Electrical and electronics engineers
4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,032
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$96,793|$118,780
openings
17,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.9%
Project management specialists
3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$6,248
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$100,750
openings
78,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
Mechanical engineers
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,475
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,602|$102,320
openings
18,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%
Top executives
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$146,315
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$225,100|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Postsecondary teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$29,497
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,713|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| architectural engineering technologies/technicians. | Undergrad Certificate | 18 | Data N/A |
| architectural engineering technologies/technicians. | Associate's Degree | 75 | $53,150 - $92,849 |
| architectural engineering technologies/technicians. | Bachelor's Degree | 13 | $54,031 - $97,594 |
| architectural engineering technologies/technicians. | Master's Degree | 1 | $110,606 - $110,606 |
| architectural engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 23 | $70,912 - $97,759 |
| architectural engineering. | Master's Degree | 13 | $98,877 - $115,946 |