Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
The median pay for a architectural and civil drafters in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA is $76,790/year ($36.92/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $101K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 107.78), so that salary is closer to $71,247 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,827/month — about 56.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $77K get you in Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
About architectural and civil drafters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
Entry-level architectural and civil drafters (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $77K.Top earners bring in $101K or more - a $55K 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 Santa Rosa-Petaluma numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do architectural and civil drafters make in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?
The median is $76,790 a year - that works out to about $36.92 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,110, and experienced architectural and civil drafters can clear $101,050. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $77K enough to live in Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,927/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,827/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 57.4% 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 Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
Santa Rosa-Petaluma has a Regional Price Parity of 107.78 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median architectural and civil drafters salary is worth about $71,247 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.