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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Architects meet with clients to discuss their needs and desires. They visit proposed building sites, analyze their requirements, and review land-use bylaws as well as other codes and regulations. They work with construction companies on costs, construction schedules, and site supervision. Architects also develop concept sketches of proposed designs for presentation to clients. This results in presentation drawings that include site plans, perspective drawings, models, and videos.
With a client’s approval of the design and budget, architects finish developing the design and move on to creating construction documents. These documents, created on a computer, include:
When architects plan layouts, they consider how site requirements relate to interior, structural, electrical, and mechanical systems in terms of placement and space. They account for building codes and regulations and their influence on layout. They recommend ways to maximize sustainability and energy efficiency, including the operation and maintenance of the finished structure.
Architects estimate construction costs using information from building contractors or cost consultants. They may also consult with:
Architects frequently meet with clients to:
Architects also may prepare reports, such as land-use studies, and take part in fulfilling long-range plans for land development.
Architectural firms invest time in marketing their services to potential clients to ensure they have a steady and growing workload. This includes networking and developing a wide range of promotional material.
Some architects specialize in:
Individual architects or architectural firms may focus on designing specific types of buildings. These could include:
Architects spend much of their time in offices, communicating with clients and consultants, and working with colleagues. At times, they visit building sites to do construction administration (managing the contract between owner and builder).
Some architects take on very large projects. Others work on smaller projects. On all projects, architects work closely with the users.
Architects have a wide range of opportunities all over the world.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to conceptualize and design buildings, and to develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules
Interest in precision working to prepare sketches and models according to clients' specifications; and in participating in contract negotiations
Interest in supervising and monitoring activities on construction sites to ensure compliance with specifications; and in awarding construction contracts
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Architects need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information and developing innovative designs. They should be at ease working with people on precision tasks.
If self-employed, architects must also be good business managers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 21 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 13, 2022 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Membership in the Provincial Association of Architects | 9 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine the type, style and purpose of renovations or new building construction being considered | 9 |
| Tasks: Prepare sketches and models | 9 |
| Tasks: Monitor activities on construction sites to ensure compliance with specifications | 9 |
| Tasks: Conceptualize and design buildings and develop plans describing design specifications, building materials, costs and construction schedules | 8 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Licensure by provincial or territorial authorities | 7 |
| Type of Related Experience: Architecture | 7 |
| Tasks: Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems | 7 |
| Tasks: Identify barriers to employment and assist clients with such matters as job readiness skills, job search strategies, writing résumés and preparing for job interviews | 7 |
| Tasks: Project management | 7 |
The minimum educational requirement is either a bachelor of architecture degree or a professional master of architecture degree. At this time, the master of architecture degree is the only degree offered by Canadian schools of architecture. The University of Calgary currently provides the only professional program in Alberta. The accreditation of professional programs in Canada is managed by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). For the current list of professional programs in Canada, visit the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) website.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Architects design buildings and advise clients regarding building projects. They prepare programs, sketches, and cost estimates. They also produce construction drawings to scale, write specifications, and review on-site construction work.
Under Alberta’s Architects Act [pdf] and Architects Act General Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) is mandatory. Only registered members may:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Architect.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Architects may be self-employed or employed by:
Registered architects may become project architects or specialize in other areas of the industry. With experience, architects may move into project design or construction supervision and contract administration. They may have the opportunity to become associates or partners in larger firms. Some architects teach in post-secondary schools. Others do research or move into careers as writers or critics.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Architects
2016 NOC: 2151
80.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
As of February 2021, there were 1,653 architects actively registered with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) to practise in the province.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.50 | $61.64 | $34.99 | $30.77 |
| Overall | $31.07 | $68.98 | $51.85 | $46.15 |
| Top | $33.17 | $96.15 | $72.48 | $63.95 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $103,900 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $104,649 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $127,346 |
| Public Administration | $125,439 |
Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) website: cacb.ca
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) website: raic.org
Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 17, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
