Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $72,830. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,060.
- Outlook: The current demand for Architectural and Civil Drafterss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+5.7%above the national average.
$35
$1,401
$6,069
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Architectural and Civil Drafters salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 3.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Architectural and Civil Drafterss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $49,880, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $105,060.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,880 | $24 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $54,623 | $26.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $64,310 | $30.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $91,038 | $43.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $105,060 | $50.5 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $72,830 to $72,830.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.609
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has 0.86x 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.
60 people work as Architectural and Civil Drafters in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.609 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. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $93,640↑ 29% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $71,540↓ 2% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $84,520↑ 16% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $66,730↓ 8% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $78,760↑ 8% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $72,830. This typically ranges from $49,880 for entry-level positions to $105,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 5.7% higher than the national median of $68,890.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Architectural and Civil Drafterss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Architectural and Civil Drafterss. The average salary of $72,830 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,640) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.609 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA