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Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Architectural and Civil Drafters make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$76,520
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.9% vs 2024
$80,360
Mean Salary
$76,520
Median Salary
$36.79
Hourly Rate
11,400 people work as Architectural and Civil Drafters in California
Architectural and Civil Drafters salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Architectural and Civil Drafters in California earn a median salary of $76,520 per year ($6,376/month).
This is 16.1% above the national average of $65,934.
California ranks #3 out of 50 states for Architectural and Civil Drafters pay.
Approximately 11,400 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Architectural and Civil Drafters
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Salary Range: Architectural and Civil Drafters in California
Salaries for Architectural and Civil Drafters in California range from $49,850 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $114,600 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $62,220 and $96,300.
Median $76,520
P10: $49,850P25: $62,220P75: $96,300P90: $114,600
10th
$49,850
25th
$62,220
Median
$76,520
75th
$96,300
90th
$114,600
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$49,850
$23.97
$4,154
25th Percentile
$62,220
$29.91
$5,185
Median (50th)
$76,520
$36.79
$6,376
75th Percentile
$96,300
$46.30
$8,025
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$114,600
$55.10
$9,550
Note: The mean (average) salary of $80,360 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#3
California ranks #3 of 50 states
$65,934
National avg. for Architectural and Civil Drafters
How much do Architectural and Civil Drafters make in California?
The median annual salary for Architectural and Civil Drafters in California is $76,520 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $80,360.
What is the salary range for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in California?
Salaries for Architectural and Civil Drafters in California range from $49,850 at the 10th percentile to $114,600 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $62,220 and $96,300.
What is the starting salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in California?
Entry-level Architectural and Civil Drafters positions in California typically start around $49,850 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $62,220 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Architectural and Civil Drafters in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 11,400 people are employed as Architectural and Civil Drafters in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in California is approximately $36.79 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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