Average Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $75,690, significantly exceeding the national average of $68,890. This higher compensation is often driven by the region's robust construction sector and the demand for specialized drafting skills in a dynamic urban environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,490.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,040 Architectural and Civil Drafters, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a notable presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.7 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and active job market with ongoing opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Architectural and Civil Drafters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+9.9%above the national average.
$36.4
$1,456
$6,308
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 the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically influenced by factors such as inflation, increased demand for construction and infrastructure projects, and the evolving complexity of design and drafting technologies.
Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Architectural and Civil Drafters is closely tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior drafters with extensive experience and proficiency in advanced software can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, offering clear pathways for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,680 | $28.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $56,768 | $27.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,290 | $32.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $94,613 | $45.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $99,490 | $47.8 |
Detailed Architectural and Civil Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $75,690 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 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 comparable to the national standard, indicating that the increased earnings are offset by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,040
Total Jobs
0.501
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.70x 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 0.7 for Architectural and Civil Drafters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for these skilled professionals, making it a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architectural and Civil Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $68,470↓ 10% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $62,970↓ 17% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $62,010↓ 18% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $67,080↓ 11% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Architectural and Civil Drafters Salary | $69,660↓ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architectural and Civil Drafters make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Architectural and Civil Drafters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $75,690. This typically ranges from $58,680 for entry-level positions to $99,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 9.9% higher than the national median of $68,890.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
Yes, but with caveats.The average salary of $75,690 is higher than the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($68,470) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.501 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has a slightly lower density of Architectural and Civil Drafter positions compared to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.7?
An LQ of 0.7 means that Architectural and Civil Drafters are 30% less concentrated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
Does Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue offer good career growth for drafters?
Yes, the presence of a substantial workforce and the potential for higher salaries with experience indicate good career growth opportunities within the region.
How does the salary compare to the cost of living in Seattle?
The $75,690 average salary is competitive, but with a Cost of Living Index of 100, your earnings will have purchasing power similar to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,040 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.501 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA