Architecture and engineering workers

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 2023, more than basic people skills were required for 92.4 

percent of architecture and engineering workers, and basic people 

skills were required for 7.6 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of architecture and engineering workers with cognitive and mental 

requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 95.1 4.9

Interaction with general public 62.1 37.9

Working around crowds <0.5 >99.5

Telework 33.7 66.3

Work review: Supervising others 16.1 83.9

Work review: Presence of supervisor 66.4 33.6

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-thejob training, and prior work 

experience necessary for 

average performance in jobs.

In 2023, credentials were 

required for 40.1 percent of 

architecture and engineering 

workers. Prior work experience 

was required for 68.0 percent 

and on-the-job training was 

required for 71.4 percent.

A bachelor's degree was 

required for 69.5 percent of 

architecture and engineering 

workers.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete 

hazards or difficulties that are in the 

vicinity of where jobs’ critical tasks are 

performed.

In 2023, 99.2 percent of architecture 

and engineering workers were not 

exposed to extreme cold, and 97.8 

percent were not exposed to extreme 

heat. Wetness was not present for 94.5 

percent, 97.6 percent were not 

exposed to heavy vibrations, and 68.2 

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 2023, keyboarding was required for 

greater than 99.5 percent of architecture 

and engineering workers and was not 

required for less than 0.5 percent. For less 

than 5 percent of workers, keyboarding 

was seldom performed, for 27.2 percent 

keyboarding occurred occasionally, 64.5 

percent frequently, and for 5.4 percent 

keyboarding occurred constantly.

Performing work in low postures was 

required for 29.0 percent of architecture 

and engineering workers and was not 

required for 71.0 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 83.7 percent of architecture and engineering 

workers. On average, workers spent 73.6 percent of the workday sitting and 26.4 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of architecture and engineering workers with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 83.7 16.3

Driving 31.6 68.4

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 22.8 77.2

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey