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Architect-Draftsman Salary in California

How much does an Architect-Draftsman make in California? As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architect-Draftsman in California is $75,162 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $86,773
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,947 to $81,240
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,287
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architect-Draftsman Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Architect-Draftsman Salaries

An Architect-Draftsman'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-Draftsman Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architect-Draftsman'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): $73,896
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $82,250
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $103,398
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $128,683
  • Expert (over 8 years): $150,773
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect-Draftsman less than 1 year $73,896
CAD Drafter II 1-2 years $82,250
CAD Drafter III 2-4 years $103,398
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $128,683
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $150,773

How Do Architect-Draftsman 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-Draftsmans. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,448.
  • California: $75,162.
  • Massachusetts: $74,161.

Top Paying Cities for Architect-Draftsman

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: $75,292
  • West Hollywood: $75,237
  • Dodgertown: $75,291

Architect-Draftsman Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architect-Draftsman 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-Draftsman positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architect-Draftsman as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architect-Draftsman

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $90,195 $43.0 20%
Business Services $88,691 $43.0 18%
Construction $87,188 $42.0 16%
Energy & Utilities $85,685 $41.0 14%
Healthcare $84,182 $40.0 12%

Architect-Draftsman Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architect-Draftsman'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 November 01, 2026
$68,947
Average $75,162/year
$81,240
$5,746
Average $6,264/month
$6,770
$1,326
Average $1,445/week
$1,562
$33
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,240 $6,770 $1,562 $39
Average $75,162 $6,264 $1,445 $36
25th Percentile $68,947 $5,746 $1,326 $33

Find Your Next Architect-Draftsman Job

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

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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