Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $78,920. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $68,890, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of doing business within this major metropolitan hub. The robust economic activity and extensive infrastructure projects characteristic of Southern California likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $78,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,160.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,050 Architectural and Civil Drafters, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for their skills within the region's dynamic construction and design sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+14.6%above the national average.
$37.9
$1,518
$6,577
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 Los Angeles have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor in a growing economy, and the continuous evolution of drafting technologies and software.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Career progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters is clearly reflected in salary differentials. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often seen across different salary percentiles, underscores the value placed on expertise and a proven track record in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $51,960 | $25 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,190 | $28.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $74,620 | $35.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $98,650 | $47.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $106,160 | $51 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$78,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $78,920 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is likely comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are offset by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
4,050
Total Jobs
0.654
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.92x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that Architectural and Civil Drafters are slightly less concentrated in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering good opportunities for skilled drafters without excessive competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $70,370↓ 11% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $83,100↑ 5% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $78,920. This typically ranges from $51,960 for entry-level positions to $106,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 14.6% higher than the national median of $68,890.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $78,920 is significantly higher than the national average. However, the local Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary's purchasing power is comparable to other regions.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($70,370) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the Los Angeles job market compare to the national average for this role?
The job market in Los Angeles is robust, with a total local workforce of 4,050 and a Location Quotient of 0.92, indicating a concentration nearly equivalent to the national average, suggesting stable demand.
What is the significance of the 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' metric?
The 0.654 jobs per 1,000 workers metric indicates the prevalence of Architectural and Civil Drafter roles within the broader Los Angeles workforce, showing a consistent need for these professionals.
Does experience significantly impact an Architectural and Civil Drafter's salary in Los Angeles?
Yes, experience is a key driver of salary growth. Senior drafters with specialized skills and a proven history typically earn substantially more than entry-level professionals, reflecting career progression.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of an Architectural and Civil Drafter's salary in Los Angeles?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the higher nominal salary of $78,920 in Los Angeles effectively translates to a purchasing power similar to the national average, balancing the increased earnings against local expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,050 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.654 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA