📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$91,846
per year
Median
$87,231
per year
Hourly
$44.16
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$59,925
25th Percentile — Junior$76,514
50th Percentile — Median$87,231
75th Percentile — Senior$113,837
90th Percentile — Top Earners$127,622
💡 Top-earning Architectural and Civil Drafterss in California make up to $127,622 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$78.5k
2021
$81.0k
2022
$83.6k
2023
$86.2k
2024
$89.0k
2025
$91.8k
2026
📈 Architectural and Civil Drafters salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $142,361 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $135,932 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $157,975 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $169,915 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $99,194 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $112,052 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $133,177 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $99,194 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $130,421 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $128,584 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $117,563 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $108,378 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $142,361 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $108,378 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $102,868 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $112,052 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $105,623 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $135,932 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $146,954 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Architectural and Civil Drafters Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Architectural and Civil Drafterss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $91,846 per year, California's Architectural and Civil Drafters salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $59,925–$76,514, while experienced Architectural and Civil Drafterss can command $113,837–$127,622.

Looking ahead, the Architectural and Civil Drafters profession in California is projected to grow at 3.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Architectural and Civil Drafters salary in California is $91,846 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $64,680.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Architectural and Civil Drafterss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Architectural and Civil Drafters employment.
  • At $91,846/year, California Architectural and Civil Drafters salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $64,680/year.