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Architectural Draftsperson Salary in California

How much does an Architectural Draftsperson make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural Draftsperson in California is $103,165 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $119,851
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $94,010 to $111,899
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $85,675
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Architectural Draftsperson Salaries

An Architectural Draftsperson'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 Draftsperson Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Architectural Draftsperson'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): $74,372
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $84,676
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $102,523
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $132,489
  • Expert (over 8 years): $155,233
Levels Salary
CAD Draft... Level Architectural Draftsperson$74,372
CAD Draft... Level Architectural Draftsperson$84,676
Architect... Level Architectural Draftsperson$102,523
CAD Draft... Level Architectural Draftsperson$132,489
CAD Draft... Level Architectural Draftsperson$155,233
View as Graph

How Do Architectural Draftsperson 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 Draftspersons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $103,558.
  • California: $103,165.
  • Massachusetts: $101,790.

Top Paying Cities for Architectural Draftspersons

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: $103,343
  • West Hollywood: $103,268
  • Dodgertown: $103,342

Architectural Draftsperson Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Architectural Draftsperson roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Transportation and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Architectural Draftsperson positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural Draftsperson as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Architectural Draftsperson

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Transportation$134,115$64.030%
Energy & Utilities$113,482$55.010%
Financial Services$113,482$55.010%
Software & Networking$111,418$54.08%
Biotechnology$108,323$52.05%

Architectural Draftsperson Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Architectural Draftsperson'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 September 01, 2026
$94,010
Average $103,165/year
$111,899
$7,834
Average $8,597/month
$9,325
$1,808
Average $1,984/week
$2,152
$45
Average $50/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $111,899 $9,325 $2,152 $54
Average $103,165 $8,597 $1,984 $50
25th Percentile $94,010 $7,834 $1,808 $45

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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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