As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Drafter in Wrightsville Beach, NC is $61,523 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Architectural Drafter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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, skills 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 | $61,174 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $69,649 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $84,329 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $108,982 |
| CAD Draft... Level Architectural Drafter | $127,690 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 3.6% |
| Pneumatics | 2.17% |
| CAD Software | 1.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Ethernet
|
$70,752 |
15%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$65,830 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$65,215 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$64,600 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$63,984 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$63,984 |
4%
|
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 | $73,828 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $72,598 | $35.0 | 18% |
| Construction | $71,367 | $34.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $70,137 | $34.0 | 14% |
| Healthcare | $68,906 | $33.0 | 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready 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.
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