How much does a drafter make?
a year · about $32 an hour
A typical drafter in the United States makes $66,150 a year, about $32 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A drafter turns an architect’s sketch, measurements, and building rules into detailed plans or maps on a computer. They check dimensions, coordinate with architects or engineers, revise drawings, and may visit a jobsite.
Did you know? Some civil drafters use drones to capture aerial views and ground-shape data for engineering projects.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $46,260 and $99,710How do you become one?
After high school, study drafting at a community or technical college; an associate degree or certificate can prepare you. No license or exam is listed; certification is optional, and apprenticeships are available, with no set starting age.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, drafters with more experience, in-demand CAD skills, or optional certification may earn more. Pay can also change with location, employer or industry, specialized work, and extra hours.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($76,990), lowest in New Mexico ($50,230).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $46,260 | $66,150 | $99,710 | about 104,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $76,990 | about 3,000 |
| California | $76,520 | about 11,000 |
| Colorado | $76,370 | about 4,000 |
| Connecticut | $76,290 | about 810 |
| New York | $76,260 | about 7,000 |
Official definition: Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/drafters.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY