Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Washington (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Washington, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$73,000
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.10
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+10% vs US median
US median $66,150
State Rank
#11 of 50
2,530 employed here

How much do Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Washington?

Architectural and Civil Drafters in Washington take home a median of $73,000 annually — roughly $35.10 an hour — which runs 10% above the national median of $66,150.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $55,990 while the top 10% make $102,180 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,040 and $83,920 a year.

Architectural and Civil Drafters salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$55,990$26.92
25th percentile (early career)$61,040$29.35
50th percentile (median)$73,000$35.10
75th percentile (experienced)$83,920$40.35
90th percentile (top earners)$102,180$49.13

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 11th out of 50 states and territories for Architectural and Civil Drafters pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$97,880
2Massachusetts$76,990
3California$76,520
4Colorado$76,370
5Connecticut$76,290

Working as Architectural and Civil Drafters in Washington

Nationally, about 104,000 people work as Architectural and Civil Drafters in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Washington pay ($73,000) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Washington?
The median Architectural and Civil Drafters salary in Washington is $73,000 per year, or about $35.10 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $55,990 at the entry level to $102,180 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Architectural and Civil Drafters about 10% more than the national median of $66,150. Washington ranks 11th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $73,000 a year. About 2,530 Architectural and Civil Drafters are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Architectural and Civil Drafters salary report

Related salaries

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

$76,870
median pay · 18,000 employed

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$66,120
median pay · 76,000 employed

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$74,510
median pay · 36,000 employed

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

$54,240
median pay · 58,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.