Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $66,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $68,890, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the state. While not reaching the national benchmark, the local pay reflects the specific needs and opportunities present in Iowa's capital metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,290.
- Outlook: The job market for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Des Moines-West Des Moines appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 340 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 20% higher than the national average, suggesting a stable or growing demand for their specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-3.8%below the national average.
$31.9
$1,274
$5,523
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and evolving industry standards. This general growth trajectory likely contributes to the current average salary, even if it trails the national average.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior drafters with extensive project experience and specialized knowledge can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on seasoned professionals in the Des Moines-West Des Moines market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,600 | $21.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,703 | $23.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $64,600 | $31.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $82,838 | $39.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $91,290 | $43.9 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $66,270 in Des Moines-West Des Moines 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 equivalent to that of a drafter earning the national average in a typical U.S. location, offering a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
0.851
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Architectural and Civil Drafters roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.2, Des Moines-West Des Moines demonstrates a higher concentration of Architectural and Civil Drafters compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not oversaturated, job market where employers actively seek these professionals. The slightly elevated concentration indicates a localized demand that supports the employment of these specialized roles within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $63,840↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $75,240↑ 14% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $64,990↓ 2% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $66,270. This typically ranges from $45,600 for entry-level positions to $91,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 3.8% lower than the national median of $68,890.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $66,270 is strong when considering the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. The higher-than-average concentration of drafters also points to a stable job market.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($63,840) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $66,270, which is slightly lower than the national average of $68,890.
What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Architectural and Civil Drafters in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.2 suggests a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, indicating a solid demand for their skills in the Des Moines-West Des Moines region.
How many Architectural and Civil Drafters work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 340 Architectural and Civil Drafters employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.851 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA