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Architectural Design Drafter Salary in Iowa

How much does an Architectural Design Drafter make in Iowa? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Design Drafter in Iowa is $65,003 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,045
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,626 to $70,259
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,731
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Architectural Design Drafter Job Openings in Iowa

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Design Drafter Salaries

An Architectural Design 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 Architectural Design Drafter Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Design 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): $63,907
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $72,761
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $88,097
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $113,846
  • Expert (over 8 years): $133,390
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architectural Design Drafter less than 1 year $63,907
CAD Drafter II 1-2 years $72,761
CAD Drafter III 2-4 years $88,097
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $113,846
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $133,390

How Do Architectural Design 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 Architectural Design Drafters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,205.
  • California: $74,919.
  • Massachusetts: $73,921.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Design 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:

  • West Bend: $63,344
  • Melvin: $63,159
  • Milford: $63,428

Architectural Design Drafter Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for an Architectural Design Drafter

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $78,003 $38.0 20%
Business Services $76,703 $37.0 18%
Construction $75,403 $36.0 16%
Energy & Utilities $74,103 $36.0 14%
Healthcare $72,803 $35.0 12%

Architectural Design Drafter Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architectural Design 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
$59,626
Average $65,003/year
$70,259
$4,969
Average $5,417/month
$5,855
$1,147
Average $1,250/week
$1,351
$29
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $70,259 $5,855 $1,351 $34
Average $65,003 $5,417 $1,250 $31
25th Percentile $59,626 $4,969 $1,147 $29

Find Your Next Architectural Design Drafter Job

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

  • Cuhaci & Peterson Architects | ORLANDO, FL

    Sr Architectural Designer

    Cuhaci & Peterson Architects | ORLANDO, FL

    Description. A Senior Architectural Project Coordinator is responsible for implementing all architectural project(s), including Design, Construction Docume... more

    18 Days Ago

  • Metromont | HIRAM, GA

    Senior Project Drafter

    Metromont | HIRAM, GA

    Position Title: Senior Project Drafter. Job Description. Would you like to be part of a family who loves to take on exciting challenges. Metromont LLC has ... more

    21 Days Ago

  • ACO, Inc. | MENTOR, OH

    Civil Drafter

    ACO, Inc. | MENTOR, OH

    Civil Drafter I - Position Summary. Provide expert technical design assistance to customers, ensuring optimal solutions and support for their projects. Ess... more

    21 Days Ago

  • Metromont | WINCHESTER, VA

    Design Engineer

    Metromont | WINCHESTER, VA

    Position Title: Design Engineer. Job Description. Would you like to be part of a family who loves to take on exciting challenges. Metromont LLC has been on... more

    21 Days Ago

  • L3Harris Technologies | ENGLESIDE, VA

    Specialist Design

    L3Harris Technologies | ENGLESIDE, VA

    In a fast moving and increasingly complex world, L3Harris is anticipating and rapidly responding to challenges with agile technology – creating a safer and... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Bell Cabinetry | BUFORD, GA

    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

    8 Days Ago

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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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