Architectural and Civil Drafters earn $66,150 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $55,650 and $80,870. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
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.
Also known as:
Architectural and Civil Drafters earn $66,150 nationally, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,650 and $80,870. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Near the national median for college graduates.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Architectural and Civil Drafters roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
Creative and original thinking matters in this field, where fresh approaches, design sensibility, or expressive work drives real outcomes.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Significant time outdoors or in the field. Conditions vary by weather.
Mostly desk-based. Limited walking or standing required.
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
The BLS projects +4.1% employment change for Architectural and Civil Drafters through 2034, roughly in line with the national average of +5%. About 10,000 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
About as fast as average.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Architectural and Civil Drafters professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $66,150 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 13,480 | $61,530 | -7.0% |
| 2 | California | 12,950 | $74,390 | +12.5% |
| 3 | Florida | 8,140 | $61,080 | -7.7% |
| 4 | New York | 8,010 | $74,760 | +13.0% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 5,230 | $63,370 | -4.2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Architectural and Civil Drafters positions require a associate's degree to qualify. The 3 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drafting/Design Engineering Tech | 9,134 | $71,753 | 609 |
| 2 | Architectural Sciences and Technology | 9,033 | $70,074 | 199 |
| 3 | Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 1,261 | $82,320 | 99 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ | 94 | $6,128 | $110,066 |
| 2 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| 3 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA | 93 | $13,481 | $92,446 |
| 4 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
| 5 | Rice University Houston, TX | 91 | $13,370 | $89,718 |
| 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA | 91 | $12,116 | $102,772 |
Once you've sized up Architectural and Civil Drafters, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
See if the degree that leads to Architectural and Civil Drafters pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
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The data on Architectural and Civil Drafters shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
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