What Architectural and Civil Drafters do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Architectural and Civil Drafters this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices"; "Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes"; "Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans"; "Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs"; "Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is associate's degree.
Job outlook for Architectural and Civil Drafters
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 104,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 109,500 in 2035, an increase of 5,400 jobs (+5.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 9,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,150, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Architectural and Civil Drafters earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $74,198 in New Jersey to $74,709 in New York, a gap of $512 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $66,150 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 9,450, which is 53.5% of the 17,670 counted across them. New York follows with 8,220.
Highest-paying states
New York ($74,709) and New Jersey ($74,198) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($74,198) and New York ($74,709) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Architectural and Civil Drafters
How much do Architectural and Civil Drafters earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,150. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $74,198 to $74,709.
Which state pays Architectural and Civil Drafters the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $74,709. New Jersey is next at $74,198.
Is Architectural and Civil Drafters a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 9,100 openings a year.
What education do Architectural and Civil Drafters need?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree, according to BLS.