As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil Designer Drafter in the United States is $89,135 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Civil Designer Drafter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Civil Designer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Civil Designer 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 |
|---|---|
| CAD Draft... Level Civil Designer Drafter | $64,258 |
| CAD Draft... Level Civil Designer Drafter | $73,160 |
| Civil Des... Level Civil Designer Drafter | $88,580 |
| CAD Draft... Level Civil Designer Drafter | $114,475 |
| CAD Draft... Level Civil Designer Drafter | $134,126 |
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 Civil Designer Drafters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 3.62% |
| Pneumatics | 2.2% |
| CAD Software | 1.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Products and Services
|
$96,266 |
8%
|
|
Innovation
|
$94,483 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$93,592 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$93,592 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$92,700 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$92,700 |
4%
|
For Civil Designer Drafter 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, Civil Designer Drafter positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Civil Designer Drafter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $115,875 | $56.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $98,048 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $98,048 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $96,266 | $46.0 | 8% |
| Biotechnology | $93,592 | $45.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Civil Designer Drafters enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Civil Designer Drafter with a No Diploma is between $92,048 and $97,709).
Civil Designer Drafter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 100.0% |
| High School | 0.0% |
| Associates | 100.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Civil Designer 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, 2026Salaries for a Civil Designer Drafter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $96,366 in 2023 to around $94,131 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Civil Designer Drafter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $96,366 |
| 2024 | $95,301 |
| 2025 | $94,131 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Civil Designer Drafter roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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