Intro
Unlock high-paying career opportunities with an architecture degree. Discover 7 lucrative jobs for architecture majors, including urban planning, sustainable design, and architectural engineering. Explore salaries, job descriptions, and required skills to kickstart your dream career in architecture, construction, and design.
As an architecture major, you're likely passionate about designing and building structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. While many architecture majors go on to become licensed architects, there are many other high-paying career paths available to those with a degree in architecture. Here are seven high-paying jobs for architecture majors:
Urban Planner
As an urban planner, you'll work with government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations to design and develop plans for urban spaces, such as parks, public transportation systems, and buildings. Your goal will be to create livable, sustainable, and thriving communities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, urban planners can earn a median salary of $76,170 per year.
Architecture Jobs with High Salary Potential
Architecture majors develop a wide range of skills, including design, problem-solving, and project management. These skills are valuable in many different industries, making architecture majors a versatile and sought-after group.
Interior Designer
While interior designers often work on the interior spaces of buildings, they may also work on exterior spaces, such as landscapes and public spaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior designers can earn a median salary of $55,350 per year. However, experienced interior designers can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.
Project Manager
As a project manager, you'll oversee the planning, design, and construction of building projects. This will involve coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, project managers can earn a median salary of $90,150 per year.
Landscape Architect
As a landscape architect, you'll design and plan outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and public spaces. This will involve working with clients to understand their needs, developing designs, and overseeing the construction process. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, landscape architects can earn a median salary of $73,160 per year.
Architecture Majors in Non-Traditional Roles
While many architecture majors go on to work in traditional architecture roles, such as architects, interior designers, and landscape architects, others pursue non-traditional roles.
Video Game Designer
As a video game designer, you'll use your architecture skills to create immersive and engaging game environments. This will involve designing 3D models, textures, and lighting effects to bring game worlds to life. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, video game designers can earn a median salary of $90,170 per year.
UX Designer
As a UX (user experience) designer, you'll use your architecture skills to design user interfaces and user experiences for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. This will involve working with clients to understand their needs, developing designs, and testing prototypes. According to Glassdoor, UX designers can earn an average salary of $95,431 per year.
Industrial Designer
As an industrial designer, you'll use your architecture skills to design and develop concepts for manufactured products, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics. This will involve working with clients to understand their needs, developing designs, and testing prototypes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial designers can earn a median salary of $71,430 per year.
Architecture Majors in Emerging Industries
As new technologies and industries emerge, architecture majors are finding new opportunities for employment.
Sustainability Consultant
As a sustainability consultant, you'll work with organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices and strategies. This may involve conducting energy audits, developing green building designs, and implementing recycling programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sustainability consultants can earn a median salary of $76,530 per year.
Virtual Reality Experience Designer
As a virtual reality (VR) experience designer, you'll use your architecture skills to create immersive and engaging VR experiences for a variety of applications, such as education, entertainment, and marketing. This will involve designing 3D models, textures, and lighting effects to bring VR environments to life. According to Glassdoor, VR experience designers can earn an average salary of $85,000 per year.
Architecture Majors in High Demand
As the world's population continues to grow and urbanize, the demand for skilled architecture professionals is on the rise.
What Skills Do Architecture Majors Need to Succeed?
To succeed in a high-paying job, architecture majors need to develop a range of skills, including:
- Design and problem-solving skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Project management skills
- Technical skills, such as proficiency in CAD software and building information modeling (BIM)
- Business and marketing skills
Architecture Jobs Gallery
What are the highest paying jobs for architecture majors?
+Some of the highest paying jobs for architecture majors include urban planner, interior designer, project manager, landscape architect, video game designer, UX designer, industrial designer, sustainability consultant, and virtual reality experience designer.
What skills do architecture majors need to succeed?
+Architecture majors need to develop a range of skills, including design and problem-solving skills, communication and collaboration skills, project management skills, technical skills, and business and marketing skills.
What are some non-traditional roles for architecture majors?
+Some non-traditional roles for architecture majors include video game designer, UX designer, industrial designer, sustainability consultant, and virtual reality experience designer.
If you're an architecture major looking for a high-paying job, consider pursuing one of these seven careers. Remember to develop a range of skills, including design, communication, project management, and technical skills, to succeed in your chosen career.