Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a architectural and civil drafters in U.S. is $64,280/year ($30.9/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $44K at the entry level to $98K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $64K get you in U.S.?
About architectural and civil drafters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level architectural and civil drafters (10th percentile) start around $44K. Mid-career wages sit at $64K.Top earners bring in $98K or more - a $54K 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 U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do architectural and civil drafters make in U.S.?
The median is $64,280 a year - that works out to about $30.9 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $44,040, and experienced architectural and civil drafters can clear $98,190. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $64K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,467/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 31.6% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $64,280 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.