Architectural and Civil Drafters vs. Civil Engineers: Who Earns More?
Civil Engineers out-earn Architectural and Civil Drafters by $35K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Architectural and Civil Drafters land at $66,150 and Civil Engineers at $100,840. The education gap is real: architectural and civil drafter programs typically require bachelor's degree, while civil engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Architectural and Civil Drafters is District of Columbia ($97,880); for Civil Engineers it's California ($122,500).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Architectural and Civil Drafters median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Architectural and Civil Drafters or Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $66,150 for Architectural and Civil Drafters versus $100,840 for Civil Engineers, a difference of $35K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Architectural and Civil Drafters or Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 5% projected growth, compared to 4.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Architectural and Civil Drafters or Civil Engineers?
Architectural and Civil Drafters typically requires bachelor's degree. Civil Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Architectural and Civil Drafters get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Architectural and Civil Drafters at $97,880/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Architectural and Civil Drafters vs. Civil Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Architectural and Civil Drafters earn $97,880 vs. $103,880 for Civil Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.