Architectural Drafter/Designer Salary in Illinois

How much does an Architectural Drafter/Designer make in Illinois? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Drafter/Designer in Illinois is $99,247 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,782
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $90,933 to $108,949
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $83,363

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Drafter/Designer Salaries

An Architectural Drafter/Designer'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 Drafter/Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Drafter/Designer'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): $64,968
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $78,901
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $97,226
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $116,296
  • Expert (over 8 years): $136,779
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Architect I less than 1 year $64,968
Architect II 1-2 years $78,901
Architectural Drafter/Designer 2-4 years $97,226
Architect IV 5-8 years $116,296
Architect V over 8 years $136,779

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Drafter/Designer

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:

  • Effingham: $91,486
  • Saint Peter: $91,360
  • Salem: $91,708

Architectural Drafter/Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural Drafter/Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Drafter/Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Drafter/Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural Drafter/Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $124,059 $60.0 25%
Construction $109,172 $52.0 10%

Architectural Drafter/Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architectural Drafter/Designer'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
$90,933
Average $99,247/year
$108,949
$7,578
Average $8,271/month
$9,079
$1,749
Average $1,909/week
$2,095
$44
Average $48/hour
$52
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $108,949 $9,079 $2,095 $52
Average $99,247 $8,271 $1,909 $48
25th Percentile $90,933 $7,578 $1,749 $44

Find Your Next Architectural Drafter/Designer Job

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

  • Cuhaci & Peterson Architects | ORLANDO, FL

    Cuhaci & Peterson Architects | ORLANDO, FL

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

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  • Encompass Health | SEAFORD, DE

    Encompass Health | SEAFORD, DE

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  • Encompass Health | MILLVILLE, DE

    Encompass Health | MILLVILLE, DE

    Encompass Health is seeking a Registered Nurse to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. In this role, you wil... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health | JOHNSTON, RI

    Encompass Health | JOHNSTON, RI

    Encompass Health is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will deliver high-quality, pat... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Oak Street Health | CONIMICUT, RI

    Oak Street Health | CONIMICUT, RI

    Oak Street Health is seeking a Nurse Practitioner to provide high-quality, patient-centered primary care to adults on Medicare in underserved communities. ... more

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