by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 72 U.S. colleges awarded 1,494 degrees and certificates in Architectural Engineering Technology. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 46% of graduates. College Factual ranks 41 schools in its 2027 Best Architectural Engineering Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $62,677 one year after completing, rising to $77,637 after four years.
Behind 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, architectural engineering technology is a widely-pursued major, with 1,494 degrees awarded annually. 72 colleges award architectural engineering technology degrees, an average of 21 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 230.
By level, the 1,494 awards include 29 certificates, 686 associate degrees, 351 bachelor’s degrees and 416 master’s degrees.
Women earned 42% of architectural engineering technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (629 of 1,494). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (785) and Hispanic or Latino (351), and international students earned 68.
College Factual ranks 41 schools in its 2027 Best Architectural Engineering Technology Schools ranking, including 27 for associate degrees, 9 for bachelor’s degrees and 1 for master’s degrees. It also ranks architectural engineering technology schools within 14 states. In all, 72 colleges offer architectural engineering technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Architectural Engineering Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common architectural engineering technology credential is the associate degree: 686 of the 1,494 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to architectural engineering technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and Computers and Electronics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Written Comprehension and Problem Sensitivity.
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.
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How long an architectural engineering technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 29 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 686 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 351 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 416 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to architectural engineering technology, at 34.5%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Architectural Engineering Technology, with an average median salary of $91,046; the strongest outlook belongs to Architectural and Civil Drafters, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Engineering Assistant and Fire Protection Engineering Technician.
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.
The occupation related to architectural engineering technology with the most projected jobs is Photonics Technicians, at 306,018.
| 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% |
Architectural Engineering Technology graduates earn a median $62,677 one year after completing their program, $77,637 after four years and $65,836 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $62,677 |
| 4 years | $77,637 |
| 5 years | $65,836 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to architectural engineering technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| 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 |
Architectural Engineering Technology includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians (1,494). It has 18 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 97,553 degrees a year; the largest are Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians (13,228), Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (12,892) and Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (12,771). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 1,494 |
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