SalaryNode

Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $63,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $68,890, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where localized demand and industry specifics can influence compensation structures. The unique economic landscape of this area shapes the earning potential for these vital technical roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,730.
  • Outlook: The job market for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Northwest Colorado appears robust, indicated by a substantial Location Quotient of 2.12, signifying a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average. With 1.505 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 200 professionals, the demand in this nonmetropolitan area is notably strong relative to its size, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing employment landscape for drafters.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,900

The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns-7.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.7

Weekly

$1,229

Monthly

$5,325

Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range widens considerably with experience, reflecting greater responsibility, specialized skills, and project management capabilities. The gap between lower and higher percentile earnings signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$39,940$19.2
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$47,925$23
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$58,640$28.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$79,875$38.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$87,730$42.2

Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $63,900 in Northwest Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of housing, goods, and services in this nonmetropolitan area is on par with the rest of the country, making the stated salary quite competitive in real terms.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

1.505

Per 1K Jobs

2.12

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.12, Northwest Colorado exhibits a job market for Architectural and Civil Drafters that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially high-demand environment for these professionals, suggesting that employers may actively seek out drafters with specific skills relevant to the region's industries, making the market competitive for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters

Comparing salaries near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $63,900. This typically ranges from $39,940 for entry-level positions to $87,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 7.2% lower than the national median of $68,890.

Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?

Yes, it offers competitive earning potential relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $63,900 is on par with the national cost of living, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.12) indicates strong local demand.

Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?

The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($72,510) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary of $63,900 in Northwest Colorado is slightly lower than the national average of $68,890.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.12 mean for drafters?

An LQ of 2.12 means that Architectural and Civil Drafters are more than twice as concentrated in Northwest Colorado compared to the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially high-demand job market.

Is the cost of living high in Northwest Colorado?

No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.

What is the total number of Architectural and Civil Drafters in this region?

There are approximately 200 Architectural and Civil Drafters employed in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.505 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.