Architectural Technology
Quick Facts: Architectural Technology Training
Where it's offered
Architectural Technology programs are offered at 4 schools across 3 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $41,404/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 6 registered apprenticeship pathways related to Architectural Technology — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 4 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 35/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Architectural Technology Graduates Do
You’ll begin your career in an office, turning concepts into reality as an architectural or civil drafter. Your days will be spent at a computer using specialized software like AutoCAD and Revit to create the detailed blueprints that guide construction projects. You’ll work closely with architects and engineers, translating their visions into precise plans for everything from residential homes to massive infrastructure.
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With steady demand and thousands of openings each year, the path for advancement is clear. As you gain experience, you can become a senior drafter or move into management. As an architectural manager, your focus shifts from the drawing board to leading projects. You’ll coordinate teams, manage budgets, and act as the key link between clients and your staff, unlocking a significant jump in earnings. While AI tools will help automate routine drafting, your creative problem-solving and project leadership skills will remain essential. The technology augments your work; it doesn't replace the human judgment required to build our world.
You may also want to compare Architectural Technology with Urban & Regional Planning, Biomedical Engineering, and Engineering Science on earnings and ROI.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 6 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Architectural Technology. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Drafter, Architectural
RAPIDS 126 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $64,280 – $80K | 4.1% |
|
Drafter, Civil
RAPIDS 128 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $64,280 – $80K | 4.1% |
|
Drafter, Commercial
RAPIDS 129 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $64,280 – $80K | 4.1% |
|
Drafter, Heating & Ventilate
RAPIDS 133 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $64,280 – $80K | 4.1% |
|
Drafter, Plumbing
RAPIDS 111 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $64,280 – $80K | 4.1% |
|
Drafter, Structural
RAPIDS 139 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $64,280 – $80K | 4.1% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Architectural Technology Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Architectural Technology is offered at 4 schools across 3 states. Click your state to see all trade programs offered locally.
Top Architectural Technology Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Architectural Technology programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
4 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Lancaster, PA |
50 43–53 |
| 2 | Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, MN |
45 38–48 |
| 3 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TX |
44 40–47 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA |
43 38–46 |
Highest Earning Architectural Technology Programs
Schools where Architectural Technology graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Dunwoody College of Technology | $44,690/yr | 45 |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | $43,244/yr | 50 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | $41,418/yr | 43 |
| Texas State Technical College | $36,265/yr | 44 |
Best ROI for Architectural Technology
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Architectural Technology.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | 32.5x | $43,244/yr | 50 |
| Texas State Technical College | 24.2x | $36,265/yr | 44 |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | 11.5x | $44,690/yr | 45 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | 10.5x | $41,418/yr | 43 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Architectural Technology degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.