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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Drafter in Maryland is $69,269 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Architectural Drafter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Architectural Drafter Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $74,616 | $6,218 | $1,435 | $36 |
| Average | $69,269 | $5,772 | $1,332 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,128 | $5,261 | $1,214 | $30 |
Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union - KNOXVILLE, TN
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Nesco Resource, LLC - TULSA, OK
Schaeffler Group - FORT MILL, SC
An Architectural 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Architect... Level Architectural Drafter | $68,876 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $78,418 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $94,946 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $122,703 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $143,766 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Drafters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Architectural 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 Drafter positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Drafter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $83,123 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $81,738 | $39.0 | 18% |
| Construction | $80,352 | $39.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $78,967 | $38.0 | 14% |
| Healthcare | $77,581 | $37.0 | 12% |
Understanding how an Architectural 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,616 | $6,218 | $1,435 | $36 |
| Average | $69,269 | $5,772 | $1,332 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,128 | $5,261 | $1,214 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Architectural Drafter job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Schaeffler Group
FORT MILL, SC
Schaeffler Group
FORT MILL, SC
Schaeffler Group
TROY, MI
Schaeffler Group
TROY, MI
Schaeffler Group
CHERAW, SC
Schaeffler Group
FORT MILL, SC
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