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The differences between architectural project managers and architectural designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become an architectural project manager, becoming an architectural designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an architectural project manager has an average salary of $102,292, which is higher than the $59,122 average annual salary of an architectural designer.
The top three skills for an architectural project manager include revit, project management and healthcare. The most important skills for an architectural designer are sketch, sketchup, and BIM.
| Architectural Project Manager | Architectural Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,292 | $59,122 |
| Hourly rate | $49.18 | $28.42 |
| Growth rate | 8% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 102,882 | 54,358 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 46 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 12 |
An architectural project manager is someone who leads an architectural project from the conception stage to its implementation. His/Her or her tasks include leading a team of designers and junior architects, assessing existing facilities, and reformulating building programs. The skills that an architectural project manager should possess include knowledge of building administrative codes and good communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include possessing a bachelor's degree in architecture, civil engineering, or a related field and prior architecture-related work experience.
An Architectural Designer is specialized in planning and designing structures/urban landscapes. They ensure that company policies and standards are maintained when providing services to clients.
Architectural project managers and architectural designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architectural Project Manager | Architectural Designer | |
| Average salary | $102,292 | $59,122 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $166,000 | Between $45,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Professional |
There are a few differences between an architectural project manager and an architectural designer in terms of educational background:
| Architectural Project Manager | Architectural Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Architecture | Architecture |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between architectural project managers' and architectural designers' demographics:
| Architectural Project Manager | Architectural Designer | |
| Average age | 46 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |