Architects, Except Landscape and Marine
| Description |
OES Code: 22302 |
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Wages
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$18.34 |
| 25th Percentile |
$20.73 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) |
$26.61 |
| 75th Percentile |
$37.47 |
Wages by California County
Hours & Benefits
Most Architects work a normal 40 hour week, Monday through Friday. Benefits usually include paid vacation, sick leave, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and retirement plans.
Employment Trends
| Employment 1998 |
8,200 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
9,600 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
17.1% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
1,300 |
Employment Trends by California County
Employment opportunities for Architects depend on building and housing starts. Residential building permits and the value of nonresidential construction will both increase through 2003. Competition for entry-level jobs will be keen throughout this time period.
Some intermediate and senior-level positions are vacated each year as experienced architects leave salaried employment to establish their own practices. As a result, Architects who have four to seven years of experience and the ability to step into intermediate or senior designer or project director positions are likely to find work more easily.
Advancement
Typical lines of advancement are from junior to intermediate drafter/designer, to job captain or senior designer and then to project director. Some Senior Architects prefer to stay in creative design work and find personal and professional satisfaction in the increasing responsibility of designing major projects. In addition, many Architects choose to become self-employed, establishing their own practices after they have gained senior-level experience.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Architects typically enter the job market as junior drafter/designers. Job seekers need a well-organized portfolio with examples of recent work for job interviews. Practical knowledge of building materials and construction methods is also an asset to the beginning Architect. Some employers recommend that students have a year of on-site construction experience before seeking work as an Architect. Job seekers should use all possible resources to obtain employment. These include faculty references, school placement offices, direct applications to employers, network through professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, newspaper ads and notices in trade and professional journals. They may also contact the California Employment Development Department Job Services for entry-level drafting positions.
For a list of current job listing, browse Caljobs or America's Job Bank. |
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Education and Training
Architects must be licensed by the California Board of Architectural Examiners. Except for small projects, plans and drawings must bear the seal of a licensed Architect. Architects who are responsible for the approval of project plans and drawings must also be licensed. The Board requires a combination of eight years of education and experience. Education credit is obtained by completing either the five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.) or the six-year Master of Architecture (M. ARCH) degree at an accredited school. Contact the Board for a list of accredited schools in California. High school students should take advanced mathematics and physics, with elective courses in drafting, mechanical drawing and computer science. Some community colleges offer an associate degree in architecture.
Skills & Other Requirements
Architects may need to be proficient in several areas such as design, drafting, estimating and construction overseeing, as well as communicating directly with clients and building contractors, planning, programming, writing project specifications, or administering construction contracts. Most Architects now use computers and computer aided design (CAD) as basic tools to create and modify structural designs. Employers prefer new hires with outstanding drafting and drawing abilities and experience gained through internships, even though candidates may have a M. ARCH degree.
References
California Occupational Guide #210
Related Occupations: Urban Planners, #175, Landscape Architects, #216, Drafting Occupations, #338
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)
© 2000 California Occupation Information Coordinating Committee |
