Career Explorer Management
Grows with AI
Architectural and engineering managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 56% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +5.5% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision and ethical judgement.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $171,270
- Job growth to 2035
- +5.5%
- Openings a year
- 14,900
- People doing it (2025)
- 221,000
- Usual route in
- Bachelor's degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Develop operational or technical procedures or standards
- Implement procedures or processes
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures
- Evaluate green technologies or processes
- Evaluate project feasibility
What the work looks like
- Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
- Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
- Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
- Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
- Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Food scientists and technologistsGrows with AI, Index 61, +6.2%
- Computer and information systems managersGrows with AI, Index 61, +15.8%
- Electrical engineersGrows with AI, Index 59, +9.9%
- Agricultural engineersGrows with AI, Index 66, +6.9%
Also known as: Engineering Director, Engineering Program Manager, Project Engineering Manager, Project Manager, Analytical Research Program Manager, Biodiesel Division Manager, Laboratory Manager (Lab Manager), Project Development Director.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.