Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in District of Columbia
The median pay for a architectural and civil drafters in District of Columbia is $88,430/year ($42.51/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $67K at the entry level to $132K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $88K get you in District of Columbia?
About architectural and civil drafters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level architectural and civil drafters (10th percentile) start around $67K. Mid-career wages sit at $88K.Top earners bring in $132K or more - a $65K spread from bottom to top.
Architectural and Civil Drafters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $88K | +38% | 540 |
| Alaska | $86K | +33% | 120 |
| Massachusetts | $76K | +18% | 2,730 |
| New York | $75K | +16% | 8,010 |
| California | $74K | +16% | 12,950 |
| Louisiana | $73K | +13% | 1,180 |
| Maryland | $72K | +12% | 1,030 |
| Nevada | $71K | +11% | 1,310 |
| Maine | $71K | +10% | 690 |
| North Dakota | $68K | +6% | 320 |
| Montana | $68K | +6% | 540 |
| Oregon | $67K | +5% | 1,440 |
| Minnesota | $67K | +4% | 2,440 |
| Connecticut | $67K | +4% | 740 |
| Rhode Island | $67K | +4% | 240 |
Track architectural and civil drafters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when District of Columbia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do architectural and civil drafters make in District of Columbia?
The median is $88,430 a year - that works out to about $42.51 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $66,530, and experienced architectural and civil drafters can clear $131,540. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $88K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,493/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,246/month (median of metro areas), which eats 40.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a architectural and civil drafters salary go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median architectural and civil drafters salary is worth about $88,430 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do architectural and civil drafters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.