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Architectural and Civil Drafters: Entry-Level vs Senior Salary in District of Columbia (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How does Architectural and Civil Drafters salary grow from entry-level to senior in District of Columbia? State salary progression based on 2025 BLS data.

77% career growth potential

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 • District of Columbia salary data • Updated 2026-05-19

Entry-Level (P10)
$67,850
$5,654/mo
Mid-Career (Median)
$97,880
$8,157/mo
Senior (P90)
$120,190
$10,016/mo

District of Columbia vs National Average

Entry-Level (P10)
$67,850
National: $47,188
+43.8%
Mid-Career (Median)
$97,880
National: $65,934
+48.5%
Senior (P90)
$120,190
National: $94,855
+26.7%

Salary Progression: Entry-Level to Senior

The salary range for Architectural and Civil Drafters in District of Columbia spans from $67,850 at entry-level to $120,190 at senior level — a difference of $52,340 per year.

P10
$67K
P25
$78K
Median
$97K
P75
$118K
P90
$120K

Career Growth Premium: +77%

Senior Architectural and Civil Drafterss in District of Columbia earn $52,340 more per year than entry-level professionals.

Annual Difference
+$52,340
Monthly Difference
+$4,362
Hourly Difference
+$25.16
Growth Multiple
1.8x

Detailed Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Complete percentile breakdown showing how Architectural and Civil Drafters salary increases with experience in District of Columbia, from entry-level (10th percentile) to senior (90th percentile).

Experience Level Percentile Annual Salary Monthly Hourly
Entry-Level P10 $67,850 $5,654 $32.62
Early Career P25 $78,960 $6,580 $37.96
Mid-Career Median $97,880 $8,157 $47.06
Experienced P75 $118,490 $9,874 $56.97
Senior / Expert P90 $120,190 $10,016 $57.78
Key Insight

Architectural and Civil Drafters in District of Columbia has a moderate salary progression with a 77% growth from entry-level ($67,850) to senior ($120,190). While the growth potential is steady, professionals looking to maximize earnings may benefit from specialization, advanced certifications, or gaining experience in higher-paying states. The gap between median ($97,880) and P90 ($120,190) shows there is still room for meaningful growth beyond mid-career.

How District of Columbia Compares to Other States

Where does District of Columbia rank for Architectural and Civil Drafters senior-level salaries? Compare District of Columbia's P90 pay to other top-paying states.

1
$120,190
Entry: $67K
+77%
2
$114,600
Entry: $49K
+130%
3
$113,400
Entry: $49K
+130%
4
$108,610
Entry: $46K
+133%
5
$107,990
Entry: $48K
+120%
6
$107,130
Entry: $43K
+145%
7
$105,650
Entry: $52K
+103%
8
$103,690
Entry: $48K
+113%
9
$102,660
Entry: $56K
+81%
10
$102,650
Entry: $45K
+125%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry-level salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters?

Entry-level Architectural and Civil Drafterss (10th percentile) earn approximately $67,850 per year, or $5,654 per month. Early-career professionals (25th percentile) earn around $78,960. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data across all U.S. states.

How much does a senior Architectural and Civil Drafters make?

Senior Architectural and Civil Drafterss (90th percentile) earn approximately $120,190 per year. Experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn around $118,490. This represents a career premium of 77% over entry-level pay.

What is the salary growth potential for a Architectural and Civil Drafters?

The career salary growth potential for Architectural and Civil Drafterss is 77%. Entry-level professionals start at $67,850, while senior-level can earn up to $120,190 — a difference of $52,340 per year.

Which state pays the highest salary for senior Architectural and Civil Drafterss?

The highest-paying state for senior Architectural and Civil Drafterss is District of Columbia, where 90th-percentile salaries reach $120,190 per year. See the full state-by-state comparison above.

How are entry-level and senior Architectural and Civil Drafters salaries determined?

We use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025 data. The 10th percentile (P10) approximates entry-level pay — the salary that 90% of workers earn more than. The 90th percentile (P90) approximates senior/expert-level pay — only 10% of workers earn above this threshold. National averages are computed across all reporting U.S. states.

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About This Data

Salary percentile data for District of Columbia from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. P10 approximates entry-level compensation; P90 approximates senior/expert-level compensation. State averages differ from national averages due to regional variations in cost of living, demand, and workforce composition. Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and specific location within District of Columbia.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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