EngineeringCompare

Architect

O*NET: Architects, Except Landscape and Naval·17-1011.00

The Verdict:Architects fuse creative vision, regulatory expertise, and site realities into bespoke designs AI cannot fully synthesize. Human judgment shines in client collaborations and adapting to construction challenges. On-site verification ensures compliance. AI streamlines drafting but shifts focus to strategic oversight, with resilient demand for innovative builds.

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$97k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+3.9%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 4 of 25 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

16%

Low exposure

Task Analysis

Most of this role rewards AI fluency.
52% of tasks (13 of 25) become more productive with AI tools — learning to use them is the highest-leverage career move.

4exposed

13AI leverage

8human-essential

View all 25 tasks

AI Can Handle This4 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.

Create three-dimensional or interactive representations of designs, using computer-assisted design software.

Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentations to generate new work opportunities.

Calculate potential energy savings by comparing estimated energy consumption of proposed design to baseline standards.

AI Leverage13 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.

Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.

Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.

Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.

Prepare contract documents for building contractors.

Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.

Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.

Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.

Design structures that incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or concepts, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

Design or plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.

Gather information related to projects' environmental sustainability or operational efficiency.

Design environmentally sound structural upgrades to existing buildings, such as natural lighting systems, green roofs, or rainwater collection systems.

Prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, or reports.

Human Advantage8 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.

Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.

Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.

Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.

Administer construction contracts.

Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.

Inspect proposed building sites to determine suitability for construction.

Inspect the condition of structures.

Resilience Landscape

Architect lands in Stable & Well-Paid

Higher Resilience Paths in Engineering

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Score

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