Architectural Conservation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Architectural Conservation is a specialized field dedicated to preserving the cultural and physical legacy of historic buildings and urban environments. This program equips students with the technical, historical, and ethical frameworks necessary to restore and adapt aging structures while maintaining their authenticity and significance for modern use.
- Architectural History: Explores the evolution of building styles, construction methods, and cultural contexts across time periods, providing a foundational understanding of how and why historic structures were created.
- Building Conservation Techniques: Focuses on methods for assessing structural integrity, stabilizing deteriorating components, and implementing repair strategies that respect original design and craftsmanship.
- Material Conservation: Addresses the identification, treatment, and preservation of historic materials such as stone, brick, wood, plaster, and metal, emphasizing sustainable and reversible interventions.
- Heritage Documentation: Teaches advanced recording practices including measured drawing, digital modeling, and photographic archiving to create detailed records for restoration and research purposes.
- Regulatory and Ethical Frameworks: Examines legal standards, preservation guidelines, and ethical responsibilities governing the conservation of cultural property, including compliance with local, national, and international heritage policies.
Architectural Conservation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Architectural Conservation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Architectural Conservation degrees, including Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary and Historians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 12,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1031 | $101,480 | $59,590 - $166,720 | 9,120 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
Architectural Conservation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $46,765 in Utah to $105,425 in Louisiana—a 125% difference. The highest-paying states include Louisiana, California, and Nebraska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 12,260 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Architectural Conservation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Architectural Conservation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Architectural Conservation is found at Boston Architectural College (BAC) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Architectural College (BAC) |
Master's
|
7 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | the-bac.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Architectural Conservation programs
How much can I earn with a Architectural Conservation degree?
Salaries for Architectural Conservation graduates vary by role and location. Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $101,480 annually, while Historians earn around $74,050. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Louisiana average $105,425 compared to $46,765 in Utah. Approximately 12,260 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Architectural Conservation programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Architectural Conservation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Boston Architectural College (BAC) (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Architectural Conservation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary, Historians, . Related occupations employ approximately 12,260 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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