Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The median pay for a architectural and civil drafters in Lake Charles, LA is $78,390/year ($37.69/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $177K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 85.85), which stretches that salary to about $91,310 in buying power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,217/month, or 23.6% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $78K get you in Lake Charles?
About architectural and civil drafters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Lake Charles, LA
Entry-level architectural and civil drafters (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $78K.Top earners bring in $177K or more - a $132K 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 Lake Charles numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do architectural and civil drafters make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median is $78,390 a year - that works out to about $37.69 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,570, and experienced architectural and civil drafters can clear $177,440. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $78K enough to live in Lake Charles?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,065/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,217/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 24% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a architectural and civil drafters salary go in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles has a Regional Price Parity of 85.85 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median architectural and civil drafters salary is worth about $91,310 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.