Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $83,580. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $68,890, suggesting that the robust economic activity and demand within this Colorado region are key drivers for higher compensation in this specialized field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $112,750.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area presents a strong job market for Architectural and Civil Drafters, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,100 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.83 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, signaling robust demand and a potentially thriving sector for drafters in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+21.3%above the national average.
$40.2
$1,607
$6,965
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for skilled technical professionals. Economic development and infrastructure projects in the region likely contribute to sustained or growing compensation for these roles.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Career progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,570 | $28.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $62,685 | $30.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $79,770 | $38.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $104,475 | $50.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $112,750 | $54.2 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $83,580 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Architectural and Civil Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial enjoy strong purchasing power. This means their earnings effectively translate to a comfortable standard of living, allowing for greater financial flexibility compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,100
Total Jobs
1.298
Per 1K Jobs
1.83
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 1.8x the national concentration of Architectural and Civil Drafters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.83 for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial strongly suggests a market with a higher-than-average concentration of these professionals. This indicates a competitive yet potentially opportunity-rich environment, where demand may be outstripping supply, leading to the elevated salary averages observed.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $76,210↓ 9% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $71,170↓ 15% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $63,900↓ 24% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $74,210↓ 11% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $83,580. This typically ranges from $58,570 for entry-level positions to $112,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 21.3% higher than the national median of $68,890.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Architectural and Civil Drafters.The average salary of $83,580 is substantially higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at par with the national average, indicating excellent earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($76,210) and Greeley, CO.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 2,100 indicates a significant presence of Architectural and Civil Drafters, suggesting a stable and established job market with ongoing demand for these skills within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.83 mean for drafters?
A Location Quotient of 1.83 signifies that Architectural and Civil Drafters are more concentrated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial than the national average. This often correlates with higher demand and specialized industry presence.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 1.298 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area has a higher density of Architectural and Civil Drafter positions compared to the national average, further underscoring the strong local market.
Should I consider relocating to Denver-Aurora-Centennial for a drafting career?
Given the higher average salary and a cost of living on par with the national average, relocating to Denver-Aurora-Centennial for an Architectural or Civil Drafter role appears financially advantageous and offers strong career prospects.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,100 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 1.298 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO