Do you have an unwavering passion for building and all-things architecture?
Do you find yourself thinking up building designs or designs for various scenarios, tools, and environments?
If so, consider a career in architecture.
When you think of becoming an architect, the traditional image of a standard architect may come to mind.
However, there are plenty of career opportunities that are not so standard but still provide the opportunity to work with architecture on a regular basis.
Check out our list of 10 careers in architecture to find a path that is right for you.
1. Civil Engineer
Why Become a Civil Engineer?
If you enjoy dreaming up cities and building worlds of your own in your mind or even in your favorite program, consider becoming a civil engineer.
Civil engineers are responsible for drafting local solutions, light timers, and even new additions to cities and towns using their architectural and mathematics skills.
The average salary of a civil engineer in the US is approximately $94,360, or $45.36 hourly.
| Civil Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Civil Engineer
2. Architect
Why Become an Architect?
For those who have a passion for architecture that will never go away, becoming an official professional architect is one career path for you.
Architects are responsible for drafting, measuring, and implementing new building or blueprint plans for a project from start to finish.
From developing a new commercial office to an entire subdivision of residential townhomes, there are plenty of positions for dedicated architects today.
On average, a full-time architect in the US can expect to earn $89,560 each year, or upwards of $43.06 an hour.
| Architect Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Architect
3. Interior Designer
Why Become an Interior Designer?
For those who have a knack for design, working as an interior designer is another pathway that is closely connected to traditional architects.
Interior designers work with furnishings, decor, and decorative designs on walls and floors to create a desired atmosphere and environment for clients.
From measuring available space to choosing the right interior elements, the interior designer is always busy.
For full-time interior designers, the average salary is $60,990, or $29.32 hourly.
| Interior Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 2-4 Years |
| Outlook | 19% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Interior Designer
4. Landscape Architect
Why Become a Landscape Architect?
If you enjoy working with landscaping while integrating your ideas of architecture into the mix, working as a landscape architect might just be the perfect position for you.
Landscape architects help to implement landscaping throughout both residential and commercial lots.
As a landscape architect, you are not only responsible for planting new landscaping, but you are also responsible for drafting ideas and making landscaping changes based on the current structure(s) and architecture in place.
Landscape architects, on average, earn approximately $73,970 each year, or $35.56 per hour.
| Landscape Architect Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Landscape Architect
5. Conservationist
Why Become a Conservationist?
For nature lovers and activists, working towards becoming a conservationist is a great way to put your architectural skills and knowledge to good use.
A conservationist is an individual who advocates for the protection of surrounding wildlife and its environment.
Working as a conservationist with knowledge of architecture can provide you with unique opportunities to protect the atmosphere around you while simultaneously working in the field of architecture.
Conservationists make approximately $67,040, or $32.23 an hour on average with a full-time position.
| Conservationist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6.3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Conservationist
6. Drafter
Why Become a Drafter?
For individuals who have a knack for drawing and drafting and are drawn to the field of architecture, consider becoming a full-time drafter.
As a drafter, you are responsible for drafting and drawing new business plans and plans for individual clients.
You will be required to have a thorough understanding of the Maths required for drafting, tools needed, as well as the type of material used for each project.
As an architectural drafter, you can expect to earn approximately $58,080 annually, or $27.92 an hour when working full-time.
| Drafter Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 0% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Drafter
7. Environmental Scientist
Why Become an Environmental Scientist?
If you enjoy protecting and preserving the environment and want to do so while also implementing your architectural skills, consider becoming an environmental scientist.
Environmental scientists put their drafting and architectural skills to use by developing environmentally-friendly solutions for residential and commercial clients alike.
Environmental scientists can expect to earn $77,940 on average, with an average of $37.47 per hour when filling a full-time position.
| Environmental Scientist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 15% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Environmental Scientist
8. Graphic Designer
Why Become a Graphic Designer?
If you have an eye for detail and love working with an array of visual elements, becoming a graphic designer may be the best path for you.
Graphic designers help to coordinate specific building styles, themes, and visual elements that will help new structures to stand out from the rest.
Depending on your position and level of experience, the average full-time graphic designer can expect to make approximately $56,510 each year, or $27.17 an hour.
| Graphic Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Graphic Designer
9. Video Game Designer
Why Become a Video Game Designer?
If you love the idea of building your own world and buildings that are just right but want to do so in a virtual realm, consider working towards becoming a video game designer.
Video game designers are responsible for creating and developing in-game maps, buildings, and other relevant structures for players.
For video game designers, the average salary is approximately $111,620, or $53.66 an hour.
| Video Game Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Video Game Designer
10. Photographer
Why Become a Photographer?
If you have a keen eye for artistic vision or love showing your work through the use of visual mediums, becoming a professional photographer may be most suitable for you.
Photographers help architects with development plots, plans, and vision.
While a photographer’s career can fluctuate drastically, those with ongoing positions and full-time jobs earn $45,440 annually on average, or $21.85 an hour.
| Photographer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 2-4 Years |
| Outlook | 17% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Photographer
