Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area earn an impressive average annual salary of $71,790. This figure surpasses the national average of $68,890, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these professionals. The local economic conditions and demand within the construction and design sectors likely contribute to this elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,820.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 510 Architectural and Civil Drafters and a Location Quotient of 0.54, the job market in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, suggests a moderate but stable demand. While not a hyper-concentrated hub for this profession, the presence of a dedicated workforce points to ongoing project needs and opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns+4.2%above the national average.
$34.5
$1,381
$5,983
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing project complexity, and the evolving demands of the construction and engineering industries.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Salary progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights significant career advancement opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,810 | $23.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,843 | $25.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $69,200 | $33.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,738 | $43.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,820 | $47 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,790 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial environment for drafters considering a move to the area.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
0.381
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 0.54x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.54 indicates that Architectural and Civil Drafters are less concentrated in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and supported by a local workforce of 510, the market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $80,280↑ 12% | 35 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $65,430↓ 9% | 47 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $64,570↓ 10% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $71,790. This typically ranges from $49,810 for entry-level positions to $97,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 4.2% higher than the national median of $68,890.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters.The average salary of $71,790 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($80,280) and York-Hanover, PA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $71,790, which is notably higher than the national average of $68,890.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The Cost of Living Index for Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many Architectural and Civil Drafters work in this area?
There are approximately 510 Architectural and Civil Drafters employed within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area.
Is there high demand for drafters in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
With a Location Quotient of 0.54, the concentration of drafters is below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market with consistent opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.381 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD