The median annual wage of architectural and engineering managers was $119,260 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,440, and the top 10 percent earned more than $166,400.
Median annual wages in selected industries employing architectural and engineering managers in 2010 were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | $138,590 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 132,720 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 132,380 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 122,480 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 119,830 |
In addition, architectural and engineering managers, especially those at higher levels, often receive more benefits—such as expense accounts, stock-option plans, and bonuses—than do workers who are not managers in their organizations.
Architectural and engineering managers may need to work long hours to meet production deadlines. In 2010, 47 percent worked more than 40 hours a week. They may also experience considerable pressure to meet technical goals on a short deadline or within a tight budget.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition