Architects plan how space, inside and out, can be used. They evaluate the needs of companies and individuals, and decide how to use the space they have or whether they need new space. They may design new buildings or renovate old ones. They may maintain buildings once they are bought or built. Architects may work on everything from seashore homes to skyscrapers. They must be technically proficient, creative and work well with people. They may be employed by firms or run their own businesses; many architectural firms are small, employing just two to five people.

SALARY: Varies according to the size of the firm. Starting salaries in greater Boston are about $20,000. National median for experienced architects who were not partners, $38,900; for partners, $50,000.

EDUCATION: There are two routes to a career as an architect: Through a five- or six-year program leading to a bachelor's degree in architecture or through a two- or three-year master's program. Only graduates from accredited programs can sit for the registration exam. After an internship, architects must pass a national exam to be registered.

Project managers provide oversight from the start to the finish of a construction project, including the design and budget and ensuring the project goes ahead. They make on-site visits as necessary. Construction managers are responsible for the day-to-day supervision of a construction project. They may be independent contractors or a member of the design team, such as the architect or engineer. The new term constructors is used to designate a range of managers in the industry.

SALARY: Varies according to the size of the firm and project and whether the manager is salaried or self-employed. Starting average is about $30,000 nationally.

EDUCATION: While many years of experience in the industry may qualify some construction supervisors, those with academic credentials are increasingly on the job. Bachelor's or master's degrees in construction science or civil engineering increase opportunities.

These are the people who put up the walls, install wires and pipes, build fireplaces and nail on the roof shingles. They maintain and repair existing buildings or other structures. They may be independent contractors or work for a construction company. Construction workers include everyone from carpenters and electricians to bricklayers and masons.

SALARY: Hourly wages in August, 1996 for first step apprentices in Boston: electricians, $8.50; carpenters, $10.07; plumbers, $9.15. After apprenticeship, journeymen's hourly wages in Boston: electricians, $28.30; carpenters, $23.87; plumbers, $26.17.

EDUCATION: While some trades still may be learned on the job, the best and preferred training method for most is through an apprenticeship program. Run by unions or contractors, they vary in length, but most last from three to five years. Vocational schools also offer training in the trades.

Drafters put the designs of architects and engineers into drawings for builders to interpret. Drafters make technical drawings of everything from buildings to intricate electrical systems. Increasingly, they use computerized drawing programs. Drafters may specialize in such things as aeronautical or electrical drafting.

SALARY: $28,500, median.

EDUCATION: Employers prefer post-secondary education; training can be found at technical or community colleges. Vocational schools also offer drafting.

Landscape architects design everything from parks to yards. They must be familiar with both botanical names and construction techniques. They decide where and what plantings will go on a site. They plan and oversee necessary construction, such as walks or terraces in a garden or on a campus. They may work for a large firm or start their own companies.

SALARY: $40,000.

EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree or completion of a professional master's degree program. Landscape architects must be licensed; several years of experience also may qualify one for the licensing exam.

Land surveyors locate, measure and map the features and boundaries of land. Today, technology, such as the Global Positioning System, which uses radio waves and satellite receivers, may help. Surveyors research the descriptions of land in deeds, then match the description to the land itself through natural or man-made features. They then make a detailed drawing of it. Surveyors work for large and small firms, sometimes as part of engineering firms. They may form their own companies.

SALARY: Median, just about $30,000. Average for federal surveyors, $44,200.

EDUCATION: Education can be at a community college or technical institute for one-, two- or three-year programs. A bachelor's degree in land surveying is also available and is mandatory in some states, but not Massachusetts. Registration is required; more education reduces the number of years of experience needed to qualify to take the registration exam. In the future, continuing education may be required.

Urban planners help direct the future of communities large and small, planning everything from sewer systems to neighborhoods. They gather information about society's needs, such as transportation and recreation, and nature's, such as resources. They incorporate these sometimes competing needs into a coherent plan. They may propose legislation to deal with building and environmental difficulties. Planners must have technical skills and be adept with people, both co-workers and the public.

SALARY: Average in Massachusetts after five years, $35,300; after 10, $48,900. The highest paid professionals work at universities or foundations.

EDUCATION: A master's degree is the basic requirement. While they are usually in planning, those with degrees in such fields as public administration or geography degrees also find jobs as planners. A combination of experience and education is the best entree.

DEMAND: The job market is healthy and is expected to be very good in the future.