Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $60,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $68,890, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of Grand Rapids influences the pay scales for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,300.
- Outlook: The job market for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, appears stable with a local workforce of 320 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.8 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but not saturated demand. While not a hub for this profession, the consistent presence of drafters points to ongoing project needs within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-12.8%below the national average.
$28.9
$1,155
$5,006
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Grand Rapids have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and infrastructure projects within the region likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, increase in compensation as demand for skilled drafters evolves.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior drafters with extensive project experience and specialized skills can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in compensation reflect the career ladder, where increased responsibility, technical proficiency, and leadership potential are rewarded with higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $43,680 | $21 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $45,053 | $21.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $58,360 | $28.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $75,088 | $36.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $80,300 | $38.6 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,070 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a drafter's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay offers comparable living standards to other regions.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
0.568
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.80x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, market for Architectural and Civil Drafters is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant sector within the local economy. Consequently, job seekers might find a balanced market with opportunities, but perhaps fewer specialized roles compared to larger metropolitan areas with higher concentrations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $60,230↑ 0% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $64,480↑ 7% | 48 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $61,850↑ 3% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $49,450↓ 18% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $60,070. This typically ranges from $43,680 for entry-level positions to $80,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 12.8% lower than the national median of $68,890.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $60,070 is below the national average of $68,890, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($60,230) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids drafter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Grand Rapids is $60,070, which is lower than the national average of $68,890.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for drafters in Grand Rapids?
The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.8, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a moderate level of demand.
What is the total workforce of Architectural and Civil Drafters in Grand Rapids?
There are approximately 320 Architectural and Civil Drafters employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 0.568 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI