This is a pretty good time to be an architect or engineer fresh out of school.
A WalletHub study of the best entry-level jobs found that engineers rank first and architects rank 10th out of a group of 109 professions.
Also on the list are electrical engineer (sixth), industrial designer (36th), interior designer (40th), mechanical engineer (41st), and civil engineer (66th).
The results were determined by examining three dimensions: immediate opportunity, growth potential, and job hazards. The categories had 11 total metrics with a score from 1 to 100. The scores were averaged and weighted, and then combined into one total score.
Engineer was pushed toward the top because of the demand (it ranked first in job openings and fifth in immediate opportunity), and architect was found to be a job with favorable immediate opportunity and job growth potential.
ArchDaily’s Vladimir Gintoff provided some context for the architects’ score. “The study doesn’t appear to consider the debt that many architects graduate with, and it also doesn’t specify where this study was conducted," he wrote. "Also, though many of the top professions could be based in cities, architecture firms seem to hold affinities to urban environments above other careers, adding cost-of-living as a potential gouge to earnings. Nonetheless, the information should be reassuring to those deciding if they would like to pursue a career in architecture and also to the long term viability for the profession.”
Towards the bottom of the list are the tradespeople: electrician (74th), machinist (101st), carpenter (105th), and welder (109th, last). The low scores were largely due to the job hazards associated with them.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Jun 23, 2021
COVID-19’s impact on multifamily amenities
Multifamily project teams had to scramble to accommodate the overwhelming demand for work-from-home spaces for adults and study spaces for children.
Architects | Jun 22, 2021
6 ways design can supercharge innovation in health sciences and medical education
It might sound radical, but the best way to achieve better collaboration is by eliminating traditional operational silos and the resulting departments.
K-12 Schools | Jun 20, 2021
Los Angeles County issues design guidelines for extending PreK-12 learning to the outdoors
The report covers everything from funding and site prep recommendations to whether large rocks can be used as seating.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 18, 2021
Adaptive reuse for hospitality, with Frank Cretella of Landmark Developers
In an exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Landmark Developers' President Frank Cretella talks about the firm's adaptive reuse projects for the hospitality sector. Cretella outlines his company's keys to success in hospitality development, including finding unique properties and creating memorable spaces.
Architects | Jun 16, 2021
BSB Design acquires California architectural firm Withee Malcolm
The acquisition marks a pivotal step in BSB Design’s long-term strategic plan.
Architects | Jun 15, 2021
Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial set to break ground
SWA Group designed the project.
Architects | Jun 15, 2021
Chicago Architecture Center and Chicago Architectural Club announce competition calling for new visions for State of Illinois “Thompson Center”
Competition seeks to give State of Illinois Center new life while preserving its architecture and public character.
Wood | Jun 10, 2021
Three AEC firms launch a mass timber product for quicker school construction
TimberQuest brand seeks to avoid overinvestment in production that has plagued other CLT providers.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2021
The future of the workplace is social clubs
Office design experts from NELSON Worldwide propose a new concept for the workplace, one that resembles the social clubs of the past.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 3, 2021
Student Housing Trends 2021-2022
In this exclusive video interview for HorizonTV, Fred Pierce, CEO of Pierce Education Properties, developer and manager of off-campus student residences, chats with Rob Cassidy, Editor, MULTIFAMILY Design + Construction about student housing during the pandemic and what to expect for on-campus and off-campus housing in Fall 2021 and into 2022.