Job Futures | Labour Market Info | Trends

Unemployment rate:
         Recent surveys say that the current unemployment rate of architects is approximately 11.8%.

Age distributions:

Employment Distribution by Age2151All occupations
15- 24 years4.4%14.1%
25- 44 years53.4%45.1%
45- 64 years38.0%38.8%
65 years and over4.2%2.0%


Male/female distribution:

Employment Distribution by Gender2151All occupations
Males67.5%52.7%
Females32.5%47.3%


Part-time and full-time earnings:
         Part-time earnings are unknown.
         Full-time earnings of an architect are $35.10 per hour, or $74,153 per year.

Future outlook:
         Over the yera of 2009-2018, the number of job openings for architects will be 10,497. It is expected that 7,575 citizens looking for jobs will fill the positions.

What future work trends might impact this occupation?
         The four following future work trends might impact architects:
  • Demographics;
  • Technology;
  • Consumer diversity; and,
  • Workforce diversity.

How will architects be affected by trends?
         Demographics is the study of human populations. The number of architects may increase if there is a population incease, seeing as many people need homes. If the number of architects reaches a certain point, many of them may begin to lose their job.

         Technology continues to improve. THe computer-aided design (CAD) software is used by architects to design homes. It makes the job easier to complete.

         Consumer diversity is essential for almost all occupations. It is the different consumers that keep businesses going, and without it, architects would be unable to receive any clients. That would lead them into having an insufficient career.

         Workforce diversity diversity is the different occupations in society. Architects are required to work with people of other occupations. For example, architects work with contractors, architectural technicians and construction inspectors.

How will/has this job changed?
         Architects used to use drafting tables and traditional materials to design buildings and other structures. Now, the majority of them use computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Is the demand for architects increasing, decreasing, or stable?
         The demand for architects is slightly increasing due to the minor growth in construction.

How might these job changes affect entrance requirements for post-secondary training and education?
         Students, while still in secondary school, may be required to take extra classes to gain the necessary skills to become an architect. They may need higher grade averages (80s and above) to be accepted into any post-secondary training or education.

How can one prepare for this career in relation to your chosen trends?
         Students may learn how to use CAD in order to prepare for the job. It is a required skill in this time as technology continues to improve and be used on a daily basis. Students should try to understand the different tastes (or preferences) of people all around. Whether the client like larger or smaller homes, you are the designer. Students should also practice their skills, such as teamwork and communication. These skills are required for many other jobs, but with architecture, it is needed for things like negotiating contracts and working with those around you.