Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Rochester, MN
The median pay for a architectural and civil drafters in Rochester, MN is $78,160/year ($37.58/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $58K at the entry level to $106K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 90.82), which stretches that salary to about $86,060 in buying power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,407/month, or 27.6% 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 Rochester?
About architectural and civil drafters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Rochester, MN
Entry-level architectural and civil drafters (10th percentile) start around $58K. Mid-career wages sit at $78K.Top earners bring in $106K or more - a $48K 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 Rochester numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do architectural and civil drafters make in Rochester, MN?
The median is $78,160 a year - that works out to about $37.58 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $58,070, and experienced architectural and civil drafters can clear $105,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $78K enough to live in Rochester?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,957/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,407/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 28.4% 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 Rochester?
Rochester has a Regional Price Parity of 90.82 (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 $86,060 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.