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Architect Drafter Salary in California

How much does an Architect Drafter make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architect Drafter in California is $73,034 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, an Architect Drafter's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,317
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,993 to $78,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,494
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architect Drafter Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architect Drafter Salaries

An Architect Drafter's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Architect Drafter Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architect Drafter's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $71,803
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,751
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $98,981
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $127,912
  • Expert (over 8 years): $149,871
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect Drafter less than 1 year $71,803
CAD Drafter II 1-2 years $81,751
CAD Drafter III 2-4 years $98,981
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $127,912
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $149,871

How Do Architect Drafter Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Architect Drafters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $73,312.
  • California: $73,034.
  • Massachusetts: $72,060.

Top Paying Cities for Architect Drafter

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $73,159
  • West Hollywood: $73,106
  • Dodgertown: $73,159

Architect Drafter Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architect Drafter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Architect Drafter positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architect Drafter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architect Drafter

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $87,640 $42.0 20%
Business Services $86,180 $41.0 18%
Construction $84,719 $41.0 16%
Energy & Utilities $83,258 $40.0 14%
Healthcare $81,798 $39.0 12%

Architect Drafter Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architect Drafter's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$66,993
Average $73,034/year
$78,940
$5,583
Average $6,086/month
$6,578
$1,288
Average $1,404/week
$1,518
$32
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,940 $6,578 $1,518 $38
Average $73,034 $6,086 $1,404 $35
25th Percentile $66,993 $5,583 $1,288 $32

Find Your Next Architect Drafter Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Architect Drafter job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Exacta Land Surveyors LLC | JACKSON, OH

    CAD Drafter

    Exacta Land Surveyors LLC | JACKSON, OH

    Description. EXACTA, dba LANDMARK is one of the nation's premier residential and commercial land surveying companies. Exacta provides services in Ohio, Ill... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Exacta Land Surveyors LLC | OHIO, IL

    CAD Drafter

    Exacta Land Surveyors LLC | OHIO, IL

    Description: EXACTA, dba LANDMARK is one of the nation’s premier residential and commercial land surveying companies. Exacta provides services in Ohio, Ill... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Windrose Surveying & Land Services LLC | GRAPELAND, TX

    CAD Drafter

    Windrose Surveying & Land Services LLC | GRAPELAND, TX

    Description: Exacta, dba WINDROSE is one of the nation’s premier residential and commercial land surveying companies. Exacta provides services in Ohio, Ill... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Bell Cabinetry | BUFORD, GA

    Cabinetry&amp Millwork CAD Drafter

    Bell Cabinetry | BUFORD, GA

    Bell Cabinetry is seeking a CAD Drafter to produce precise cabinetry drawings and layouts for high-end residential and light commercial projects. In this r... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Weyerhaeuser | PIONEER SQUARE, WA

    Principal AI Architect

    Weyerhaeuser | PIONEER SQUARE, WA

    Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Principal AI Architect to lead enterprise AI strategy across our sustainable manufacturing and forestry operations. You will desi... more

    3 Days Ago

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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