Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Albuquerque, NM
In Albuquerque, NM, Architectural and Civil Drafters earn an average annual salary of $59,130. This figure is notably below the national average of $68,890, reflecting localized market dynamics and potentially a different demand-supply equilibrium within the state. The specific economic conditions and industry concentration in Albuquerque play a significant role in shaping compensation for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,930.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Architectural and Civil Drafters, Albuquerque presents a modest but stable job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not as densely populated as in other major metropolitan areas. The presence of 0.512 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent, albeit not overwhelming, demand for drafting expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Albuquerque, NM earns-14.2%below the national average.
$28.4
$1,137
$4,928
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Albuquerque's drafter salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased construction activity, and evolving technological demands in architectural and civil design typically drive salary increases for skilled professionals. Therefore, drafters in Albuquerque have likely experienced gradual salary appreciation, aligning with broader industry advancements and inflation.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Salary progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Albuquerque is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior drafters with extensive project experience and advanced technical proficiencies can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear career advancement pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and demonstrated value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $34,690 | $16.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,348 | $21.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $59,050 | $28.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $73,913 | $35.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $82,930 | $39.9 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,130 for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Albuquerque aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living often seen in more expensive cities. Consequently, the take-home pay in Albuquerque provides a comparable standard of living to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.512
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Albuquerque, NM has 0.72x the national average concentration of Architectural and Civil Drafters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Albuquerque's Location Quotient of 0.72 for Architectural and Civil Drafters suggests a market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and functional, it may not be a primary industry hub. For drafters, this could translate to a less competitive job market in terms of sheer volume of applicants for each opening, but potentially fewer specialized or high-profile opportunities compared to areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $59,520↑ 1% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Albuquerque, NM is $59,130. This typically ranges from $34,690 for entry-level positions to $82,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 14.2% lower than the national median of $68,890.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Architectural and Civil Drafters in Albuquerque earn approximately 14% less than the national average salary. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Fe, NM ($59,520) and others.
How does the number of drafters in Albuquerque compare nationally?
Albuquerque has a total of 210 Architectural and Civil Drafters, which is a smaller workforce compared to national concentrations, reflected in its Location Quotient of 0.72.
What is the job availability like for drafters in Albuquerque?
There are approximately 0.512 drafting jobs per 1,000 workers in Albuquerque, indicating a steady but not overwhelming demand for these professionals.
Does experience significantly impact a drafter's salary in Albuquerque?
Yes, like most fields, experience is a key driver of salary for drafters. Senior drafters with specialized skills command higher salaries than entry-level professionals.
How does Albuquerque's cost of living affect the $59,130 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $59,130 salary in Albuquerque provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither significantly advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost perspective.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 0.512 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architectural and Civil Drafters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM