Architects design buildings and spaces that shape how people live and work. You'll blend creativity with technical expertise, using computers and hands-on problem-solving. The path requires a bachelor's degree and extensive preparation, but the work is deeply rewarding.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Architects create the plans and specifications for buildings, from homes to office towers. You'll work with computers to draft designs, think creatively about how spaces function, and make decisions about materials, safety, and building codes. You'll spend time getting information from clients and colleagues, documenting your ideas, and specifying the technical details that builders need. The work demands critical thinking and strong communication as you move from concept through construction.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval earn a median of $99,280 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 7,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree in architecture or a related field. This is extensive preparation that covers design, building and construction, engineering, and public safety. Your coursework will develop skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, and mathematics. Many architects also pursue additional credentials after their degree. Start by researching architecture programs at universities, then connect with a counselor to map out the full path from high school through licensure.
The main route to architecture is a bachelor's degree followed by professional credentials. Since the timeline and requirements can vary, Pathly can map the architect, except landscape and naval path that fits you with your counselor to build a step-by-step plan that fits your goals.
Many architect, except landscape and navals must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to realistic, hands-on problem-solving. You think creatively about how things work and take pride in designing solutions that are both functional and well-built.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).