USA Career Guide - Architects, Landscape Architects and Civil Drafters

Education and Training Requirement of Architects in USA

Architects require to posses a professional qualification in architectural engineering from an architecture schools across United States and accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). However, some states in United States also value degree from non accredited schools. Architectural Engineering in United States is a 5years degree program. Many schools also offer post professional degree in architecture. 3year training is compulsory before making application to any architectural registration boards for licensing.

Related Instructional Programs/Degrees for Architects in USA

The NAAB is the authority for regularization of architecture programs in USA. Following courses are approved by NAAB to be conducted in USA Architecture Schools.

• B Arch = Bachelor of Architecture;
• M Arch = Master of Architecture;
• D Arch = Doctor of Architecture

Industrial Overview

Architects held about 113,700 jobs in 2010, of which 65 percent were employed in the architectural, engineering, and related services industry. About 24 percent were self-employed. Nearly all architects work full time. Employment of architects is projected to grow 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor)

The interests in architectural engineering are growing across United States; as a result, the number of architectural engineering graduates increasing on year to year basis. Owing to this there is a huge competition among job seekers to get work opportunities with reputed architectural firms. Since, the work of an architect is related to construction industry, those self employed architect may see tough times for shorter or longer period if construction industry will go level down.

Job Prospectus of Architects in USA

The population of graduating students in architecture is growing every year and hence, there is quite good competition for job in the field. Competition to grab work opportunities with well known architectural firms is definitely high. The candidates who have completed internship training are on gaining side when work opportunities are concerned. The best job offers are always available to those who can prove themselves in the industry with creativity. Since, the work of an architect is limited to construction industry, those who are self employed architect may experience slowness at times when level of construction business declines.

Pay of an Architect in the US

• Median annual wage in May 2010 - $72550
• Average Annual wage for top 10% - $119,500
• Average Annual wage lowest 10% - $42,860

Nearly all architects work full time. Many work more than 50 hours per week. Working evenings and weekends is often necessary to meet deadlines.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics)

Landscape Architects

Education and Training Requirements of Landscape Architects in USA

To start career as Landscape Architects in USA one needs at least a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. In the year 2011, there were 68 colleges and universities offering bachelor’s master’s degrees in landscape architecture. These institutes are accredited by Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board to conduct courses and award degrees.

Related Instructional Programs/Degrees for Landscape Architects in USA

The American Society of Landscape Architecture is the accrediting authority of landscape architect profession in the United States. For accreditation it regards to CSLAAC. To know about CSLAAC accredited programs click here. 

Industrial Overview

According to data gathered from Bureau of Labor Statistics – ‘Employment of landscape architects is projected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.’

People’s interests changes gradually. The land cost is growing rapidly and within limited construction people want to get more beautiful living as well as work space. New construction areas will be coming and existing ones will be redeveloped on a continuous basis. Environmental concerns are other issues both demand of the time as well as interests of the people. Hence, there should be continuous work opportunities for Landscape Architects in USA.

Job Prospects of Landscape Architects

Students planning to get a qualification in landscape architecture may expect good work opportunities available in United States. Internship is a must during college years, as employers are more like to hire those who have pre work experiences, this saves them on training cost. The landscape architects with strong technical skills, communication skills and knowledge of environmental codes will be on the gaining side in the job market.

Pay of Landscape Architects in USA

• 2010 Median Pay - $62,090 per year/$29.85 per hour

            Source = Bureau of Labor Statistics