Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Yes, Lake Charles, LA is a highly lucrative market for Architectural and Civil Drafterss. With an average annual salary of $90,070, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $90,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 59.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $177,440.
- Outlook: The current demand for Architectural and Civil Drafterss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 40 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Lake Charles, LA earns+30.7%above the national average.
$43.3
$1,732
$7,506
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Architectural and Civil Drafters salaries in Lake Charles, LA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 59.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Architectural and Civil Drafterss in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.9x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $45,570, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $177,440.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,570 | $21.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,553 | $32.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,390 | $37.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $112,588 | $54.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $177,440 | $85.3 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$90,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$90,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $90,070 to $90,070.
Job Market Context
40
Total Jobs
0.435
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.61x 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.
40 people work as Architectural and Civil Drafters in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.435 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Architectural and Civil Drafters roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $69,720↓ 23% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $63,420↓ 30% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Lake Charles, LA is $90,070. This typically ranges from $45,570 for entry-level positions to $177,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 30.7% higher than the national median of $68,890.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Yes, Lake Charles, LA is financially attractive for Architectural and Civil Drafterss. The average salary of $90,070 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($69,720) and Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 40 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.435 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 Lake Charles, LA