Architectural and Civil Drafters

SOC code 17-3011 · O*NET-SOC 17-3011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Architectural and Civil Drafters pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$66,150

a year

Hourly

$31.80

per hour

10th$46,260Median$66,15090th$99,710

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$70,740

$34.01 per hour

Middle 50%

$55,650 – $80,870

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$46,260 – $99,710

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

103,700

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $46,260; $22.24/hr
25th percentile: $55,650; $26.76/hr
Median percentile: $66,150; $31.80/hr
75th percentile: $80,870; $38.88/hr
90th percentile: $99,710; $47.94/hr

What do architectural and civil drafters do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does an architectural and civil drafters earn?

The national median is $66,150 a year. The full range runs from $46,260 at the 10th percentile to $99,710 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an architectural and civil drafters without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.6/5
Active Listening3.5/5
Writing3.3/5
Speaking3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Mathematics3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Design4.9/5
Building and Construction4.2/5
Engineering and Technology4.2/5
Computers and Electronics3.7/5
English Language3.6/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
Public Safety and Security3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.