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.
Studying Architectural Engineering Technology involves the study of Architectural Engineering Technologies/technicians. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Architects, Engineers And Planners Engaged In Designing And Developing Buildings, Urban Complexes, And Related Systems. Includes Instruction In Design Testing Procedures, Building Site Analysis, Model Building And Computer Graphics, Engineering Drawing, Structural Systems Testing, Analysis Of Prototype Mechanical And Interior Systems, Test Equipment Operation And Maintenance, And Report Preparation.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, architectural engineering technology is a popular field of study, 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.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
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.
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 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
