Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
What does a Architectural and Civil Drafters salary really buy you in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is 4.7% pricier than the US averageData: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19
Rhode Island's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 104.7, meaning prices are 4.7% higher the national average. A Architectural and Civil Drafters earning $71,700 in Rhode Island has the equivalent purchasing power of $68,481 in an average-cost US state.
Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living.
| Percentile | Nominal Salary | COL-Adjusted | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (P10) | $52,000 | $49,665 | $-2,334 |
| 25th Percentile (P25) | $61,640 | $58,872 | $-2,767 |
| Median (P50) | $71,700 | $68,481 | $-3,218 |
| 75th Percentile (P75) | $83,960 | $80,191 | $-3,768 |
| 90th Percentile (P90) | $105,650 | $100,907 | $-4,742 |
While $71,700 sounds high, Rhode Island's elevated cost of living erases 4% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $68,481. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.
Rhode Island's RPP of 104.7 puts it 4.7% above the national baseline cost of living. A Architectural and Civil Drafters needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.
After applying Rhode Island's RPP, the $71,700 median salary translates to $68,481 in real terms — a 4.5% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Architectural and Civil Drafters.
Rhode Island sits at #24 of 50 states for Architectural and Civil Drafters COL-adjusted salary — comfortably above the national midpoint.
Where does Architectural and Civil Drafters salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.
Rhode Island ranks #24 out of 50 states for Architectural and Civil Drafters after cost-of-living adjustment.
How much do you actually take home? See Architectural and Civil Drafters take-home pay in Rhode Island after taxes →
A Architectural and Civil Drafters in Rhode Island earns a median salary of $71,700 per year. After adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living (RPP=104.7), the real purchasing power is $68,481 — a -4.5% difference.
Rhode Island's cost of living is 4.7% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Rhode Island is 104.7 (US average = 100).
Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.
The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Rhode Island: $71,700 x (100 / 104.7) = $68,481. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.
Partially — a Architectural and Civil Drafters's nominal salary of $71,700 in Rhode Island has 4.5% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $68,481. However, Rhode Island may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.