Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in California
Architectural and Civil Drafters in California earn a median of $76,520 a year, +16% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $76,520
- vs. U.S. median
- +16% ($66,150)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 50
- Jobs in the state
- 11,400
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $49,850; the top 10% earn over $114,600. Nationally the range is $46,260 to $99,710.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$108,540 median in California
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$78,310 median in California
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$83,490 median in California
- Landscape Architects$98,380 median in California
- Civil Engineers$122,500 median in California
- Transportation Engineers$122,500 median in California (broader BLS group)
Architectural and Civil Drafters pay in California
How much do architectural and civil drafters make in California?
The median is $76,520 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $49,850 and the top 10% earn over $114,600. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for architectural and civil drafters?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 50 (+16% vs. the national median of $66,150). Living costs are not included.