Over the past five years, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors in San Francisco and Los Angeles have experienced notable shifts in employment numbers and pay scales. The focus here is on registered architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers with HVAC expertise, and electrical engineers specializing in building systems, as these professionals play critical roles in shaping the urban landscapes of these major Californian cities.
Employment Trends: 2019-2024
San Francisco
San Francisco has seen significant growth in its AEC sectors, driven by a continuous demand for high-end residential projects, commercial developments, and infrastructural upgrades. From 2019 to 2021, the demand for registered architects and construction-focused engineers surged, largely due to the tech boom and urban expansion. However, the pandemic’s onset in 2020 caused a brief decline in construction activities, resulting in a temporary dip in employment.
By 2022, the market rebounded, and employment numbers began to rise again as delayed projects resumed and new ones were initiated. The city’s commitment to sustainable building practices has further fueled demand for architects and engineers specializing in green construction and energy-efficient designs.
- Registered Architects: Employment numbers for registered architects grew by approximately 12% from 2019 to 2024, with a noticeable spike post-2021.
- Civil Engineers: Civil engineers, particularly those involved in infrastructure projects, saw a steady 10% increase in employment, thanks to ongoing public and private sector investments in transportation and utility projects.
- Mechanical Engineers (HVAC): Employment in this niche has grown by 8%, driven by the increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and smart building technologies.
- Electrical Engineers (Building Systems): The need for electrical engineers focusing on building wiring and power systems grew by 9%, paralleling the rise in complex commercial and residential developments.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, with its sprawling metropolitan area, has consistently shown robust demand for AEC professionals. The city’s focus on expanding housing and upgrading aging infrastructure has kept employment numbers for architects and engineers stable, even during economic downturns.
- Registered Architects: Employment for registered architects in Los Angeles has grown by 10% over the past five years. The city’s diverse architectural landscape, ranging from luxury residences to large-scale commercial projects, continues to drive demand.
- Civil Engineers: Civil engineers in Los Angeles have seen a 9% increase in employment, with significant contributions from transportation projects like the Metro expansion and various freeway improvements.
- Mechanical Engineers (HVAC): As Los Angeles pushes for greener buildings, the demand for HVAC specialists has increased by 7%, reflecting the broader trend toward sustainability.
- Electrical Engineers (Building Systems): The employment growth for electrical engineers has been steady at 8%, with ongoing developments in both the commercial and residential sectors.
Salary Trends: 2019-2024
San Francisco
San Francisco’s high cost of living and competitive job market have driven substantial salary increases across the AEC sectors. Over the past five years, salaries for architects and construction-related engineers have risen steadily.
- Registered Architects: The average salary for registered architects in San Francisco grew from $95,000 in 2019 to $112,000 in 2024, representing an 18% increase. This rise is attributed to the city’s demand for specialized skills in sustainable and high-tech building designs.
- Civil Engineers: Civil engineers saw their average salaries increase by 16%, from $85,000 in 2019 to $98,600 in 2024, driven by the complexity and scale of urban infrastructure projects.
- Mechanical Engineers (HVAC): The average salary for HVAC-focused mechanical engineers grew by 15%, from $88,000 in 2019 to $101,200 in 2024, reflecting the premium on energy-efficient design expertise.
- Electrical Engineers (Building Systems): Salaries for electrical engineers specializing in building systems increased by 17%, from $90,000 in 2019 to $105,300 in 2024, aligned with the growing demand for integrated and smart building solutions.
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, salary trends have followed a similar upward trajectory, albeit at a slightly lower rate compared to San Francisco, owing to differences in living costs and market dynamics.
- Registered Architects: The average salary for registered architects in Los Angeles increased by 15%, from $85,000 in 2019 to $97,750 in 2024, with the city’s diverse project landscape influencing pay scales.
- Civil Engineers: Civil engineers experienced a 14% rise in average salaries, from $80,000 in 2019 to $91,200 in 2024, driven by extensive public infrastructure projects.
- Mechanical Engineers (HVAC): The average salary for HVAC specialists grew by 13%, from $82,000 in 2019 to $92,600 in 2024, as energy efficiency became a priority in both new and retrofitted buildings.
- Electrical Engineers (Building Systems): Electrical engineers focusing on building systems saw their average salaries rise by 14%, from $84,000 in 2019 to $95,760 in 2024, reflecting steady demand in commercial and residential construction.
Conclusion
The past five years have seen positive employment and salary growth for architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers (HVAC), and electrical engineers (building systems) in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. These trends underscore the importance of these professionals in shaping the urban environment and meeting the increasing demands for sustainable and technologically advanced buildings. As both cities continue to evolve, the AEC sector is expected to remain a vital and lucrative field for years to come.