Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Tennessee
The median pay for a architectural and civil drafters in Tennessee is $64,980/year ($31.24/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $42K at the entry level to $93K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $65K get you in Tennessee?
About architectural and civil drafters
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level architectural and civil drafters (10th percentile) start around $42K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K. Top earners bring in $93K or more, a $52K spread from bottom to top.
Architectural and Civil Drafters salary by metro in Tennessee
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | $70K | +8% | 250 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $68K | +4% | 520 |
| Memphis | $63K | -3% | 250 |
| Johnson City | $61K | -6% | 50 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $61K | -7% | 40 |
| Clarksville | $50K | -22% | 40 |
| Chattanooga | $48K | -26% | 190 |
Compare to other states
Track architectural and civil drafters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do architectural and civil drafters make in Tennessee?
The median is $64,980 a year, that works out to about $31 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $41,500, and experienced architectural and civil drafters can clear $93,260. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,508/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 27% 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 $72,377 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.