Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Architectural and Engineering Managers salary by state
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
About this role
Architectural and Engineering Managers is a professional role within the function in the Management job family.
Typical entry preparation: Bachelor's Degree and up to 2 years of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningTime Management
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Architectural and Engineering Managers pay by experience level
Entry level$125,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$144,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$177,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$220,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$272,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+3.8%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
14,500
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Architectural and Engineering Managers salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
79,510 workers
$191,500
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
57,730 workers
$182,500
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
19,820 workers
$200,000
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
18,950 workers
$191,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
17,120 workers
$165,500
Management of Companies and Enterprises
14,950 workers
$204,500
Management of Companies and Enterprises
14,950 workers
$204,500
Scientific Research and Development Services
13,240 workers
$221,000
Machinery Manufacturing
11,930 workers
$172,500
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
11,760 workers
$204,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Architectural and Engineering Managers pays 31% above the average across 58 roles in the Management job family (family average $144,000).
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Architectural and Engineering Managers make?
The average base salary for a Architectural and Engineering Managers in the United States is $188,000 per year, or about $90.38 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $144,500 and $220,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Management roles?
The Management job family averages $144,000 across 58 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Architectural and Engineering Managers pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
