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.
In 2020-2021, architectural engineering technology was the 238th most popular major nationwide with 1,290 degrees awarded. This represents a 3.6% reduction in AE tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 1,336.
This year's Best Architectural Engineering Technology Schools ranking compares 28 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of AE tech programs later in this article.
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.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional AE tech certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of AE tech degrees. You can get anything from a in architectural engineering technology to the highest AE tech degree, a . The type of AE tech degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to AE tech, with approximately 32.0% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for AE tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 32.3% |
| Some College Courses | 16.1% |
| High School Diploma | 12.1% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 12.1% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 12.1% |
60.0% of AE tech workers have at least a associate. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in architectural engineering technology careers have.
This of course varies depending on which AE tech career you choose.
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.
Want a job when you graduate with your AE tech degree? Architectural Engineering Technology careers are expected to grow 5.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to architectural engineering technology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technicians | 80,800 | 5.2% |
Architectural Engineering Technology graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $48,535 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $34,001 to as high as $67,788. As you might expect, salaries for AE tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for architectural engineering technology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers AE tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technicians | $65,720 |
With over 146 different AE tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased AE tech school rankings to help you with this.
Architectural Engineering Technology is one of 18 different types of Engineering Technologies programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | 11,906 |
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 10,593 |
| Drafting & Design Engineering Technology | 8,964 |
| Environmental Control Technology | 8,690 |
| Electronics Engineering Technology | 8,592 |
