Architectural Engineer vs. Civil Engineer

Attribute	Architectural Engineer	Civil Engineer
Educational Requirements	Bachelor's degree in architectural engineering	Bachelor's degree in civil engineering
Focus	Design and construction of buildings	Design and construction of infrastructure
Licensing	May require licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE)	Requires licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE)
Skills	Knowledge of building systems, materials, and codes	Knowledge of structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and transportation systems
Job Outlook	Expected to grow by 3% from 2019-2029	Expected to grow by 2% from 2019-2029

Education and Training

Architectural engineers and civil engineers both require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. However, the focus of their education differs. Architectural engineers typically study courses that are more design-oriented, such as architectural design, building systems, and construction materials. On the other hand, civil engineers focus on courses related to infrastructure, such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering.

Job Responsibilities

Architectural engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of buildings and structures. They work closely with architects to ensure that the design is both functional and safe. Civil engineers, on the other hand, are responsible for designing and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water systems. They also ensure that these projects meet safety and environmental regulations.

Skills Required

Architectural engineers need to have strong design skills and be able to use computer-aided design (CAD) software effectively. They also need to have a good understanding of building codes and regulations. Civil engineers, on the other hand, need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They also need to be able to work well in teams and communicate effectively with clients and other professionals.

Work Environment

Architectural engineers typically work in offices, where they spend a lot of time using CAD software to create designs and drawings. They may also visit construction sites to oversee the building process. Civil engineers, on the other hand, split their time between offices and construction sites. They may need to travel to different locations to inspect projects and meet with clients.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for architectural and engineering managers was $144,830 in May 2020. The job outlook for architectural engineers is expected to grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030. On the other hand, civil engineers had a median annual wage of $88,570 in May 2020, with a job outlook of 8% growth from 2020 to 2030. Overall, both professions offer competitive salaries and job opportunities.