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Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area earn an average annual salary of $65,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $68,890, suggesting that while the demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially a higher supply of skilled professionals may influence compensation levels compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $65,950 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,710.
  • Outlook: The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area boasts a significant local workforce of 3,880 Architectural and Civil Drafters. With a Location Quotient of 1.36, this region demonstrates a concentration of these roles that is 36% higher than the national average, indicating a robust and active job market with substantial demand for drafting professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$65,950

The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX earns-4.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.7

Weekly

$1,268

Monthly

$5,496

Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Salary progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior drafters with extensive project experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The increasing salary figures across different experience levels signify clear career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$39,020$18.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$49,463$23.8
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$63,020$30.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$82,438$39.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$90,710$43.6

Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$65,950

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$65,950

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $65,950 in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a drafter's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

3,880

Total Jobs

0.969

Per 1K Jobs

1.36

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.36, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Architectural and Civil Drafters roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.36 for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington signifies a notable concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the market is more specialized and potentially more competitive, with employers actively seeking talent in this specific field, offering ample opportunities for skilled drafters.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters

Comparing salaries near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?

The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is $65,950. This typically ranges from $39,020 for entry-level positions to $90,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 4.3% lower than the national median of $68,890.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?

Yes, with strong market concentration.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.36) indicates strong local demand and opportunity for career growth.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?

The Cost of Living Index in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sherman-Denison, TX ($57,990) and Waco, TX.

How does the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington job market compare nationally for drafters?

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area has a higher concentration of Architectural and Civil Drafters than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.36, suggesting a more specialized and active local market.

What is the cost of living impact on a drafter's salary in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington?

The cost of living in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $65,950 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.

How many Architectural and Civil Drafters work in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington?

There are approximately 3,880 Architectural and Civil Drafters employed in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area.

Does experience significantly affect a drafter's salary in this region?

Yes, like most fields, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level drafters earning less than senior professionals who command higher salaries due to their expertise and project history.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,880 employees in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area with a job density of 0.969 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.