Architectural Technologists and Technicians

(NOC 2251)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Architectural technologists and technicians help architects and civil design engineers conduct research, prepare drawings, architectural models, specifications, and contracts, and supervise construction projects. Architectural technologists and technicians work for architectural and construction firms, and governments.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Architectural Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$30,001

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Architectural technologists and technicians:

Help develop architectural designs.
Analyze building codes, by-laws, space requirements, site requirements and other technical documents and reports.
Prepare manual and CAD (computer-assisted design) drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and listings of quantities of material from conceptual drawings and instructions.
Construct architectural and display models, and 3-D virtual models of architectural designs.
Prepare contract and bidding documents.
May supervise drafters, technicians, and technologists on the architectural team.
May supervise construction projects and coordinate, monitor, and inspect work done by others.

Sample job titles

architectural assistant
architectural design technician
architectural design technologist
architectural technician
architectural technologist
registered building technician
registered building technologist
residential buildings technologist

Skills

You should be interested in architecture and design and have an interest in construction and the various building trades. Grade 12 math and physics are recommended. You should enjoy detailed and precise work. A good imagination and creativity would be helpful. Good written and spoken communication skills are important. Computer skills would also be helpful.

Job requirements

A two- to three-year college program in architectural technology or a related subject is usually required.
Certification in architectural technology or in a related field through provincial associations of architectural or engineering/applied science technologists and technicians may be required by employers.
A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.

Other considerations

Employment levels may vary from year to year as economic conditions change and the amount of construction activity is affected. There is movement to other related roles like drafters, civil engineering technologists and technicians, construction estimators, and construction inspectors. Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

employed in 2016

100.0%

employed full-time

12.5%

self employed

43.8%

56.2%

34.5

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%

80%

42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

100.0%

Halifax

$38,083 median annual income

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

57.1%

Professional, scientific and technical services

14.3%

Wholesale trade

14.3%

Real estate and rental and leasing

14.3%

Construction

What is the age of Employment?

39.0%

25-34

28.0%

35-44

17.0%

45-54

17.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

56.3%

College Diploma

$37,945 median annual income

31.3%

Bachelor

N/A

12.5%

Master

N/A

12.5%

Trade Certification

N/A

12.5%

Diploma Above Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income

29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income

11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income

9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income

6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. They include courses in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, engineering drawing, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website