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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Occupational Requirements Survey > Publications > Factsheets

Architecture and engineering occupations

This occupational group includes architects, surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, engineers, drafters, engineering technicians, electro-mechanical technicians, and mapping technicians.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2024, more than basic people skills were required for 95.0 percent of architecture and engineering workers, and basic people skills were required for 5.0 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of architecture and engineering workers with cognitive and mental requirements, 2024
Requirement	Yes	No
Adaptability: Work schedule variability	25.5	74.5
Pace: Pause control	97.2	2.8
Working around crowds	<0.5	>99.5
Telework	46.9	53.1
Work review: Supervising others	16.4	83.6
Work review: Presence of supervisor	39.7	60.3
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and experience requirements

The minimum level of formal education required, credentials necessary, on-the-job training, and prior work experience necessary for average performance in jobs.

In 2024, credentials were required for 40.4 percent of architecture and engineering workers. Prior work experience was required for 56.6 percent and on-the-job training was required for 79.2 percent.

A bachelor's degree was required for 66.9 percent of architecture and engineering workers.

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or difficulties that are in the vicinity of where jobs’ critical tasks are performed.

In 2024, greater than 99.5 percent of architecture and engineering workers were not exposed to extreme cold, and 99.4 percent were not exposed to extreme heat. Wetness was not present for 91.6 percent, greater than 99.5 percent were not exposed to heavy vibrations, and 42.8 percent were not exposed to the outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities required to perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in some cases, duration of these activities are published.

In 2024, reaching at or below the shoulder was required for 60.4 percent of architecture and engineering workers and was not required for 39.6 percent.

Performing work in low postures was required for 49.2 percent of architecture and engineering workers and was not required for 50.8 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 71.0 percent of architecture and engineering workers. On average, workers spent 65.3 percent of the workday sitting and 34.7 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of architecture and engineering workers with physical demands, 2024
Requirement	Yes	No
Choice of sitting or standing	71.0	29.0
Driving	50.2	49.8
Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs	18.8	81.2
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey