Architectural and Civil Drafters salary in Massachusetts
Architectural and Civil Drafters in Massachusetts earn a median of $76,990 a year ($37.02 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,660 workers.
Pay ranges from $56,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,660 for the top 10%. That is 16% higher than the national median of $66,150. Massachusetts ranks 2nd of 50 states for architectural and civil drafters pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.73 architectural and civil drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $77,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for architectural and civil drafters in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $56,850 | $27.33 |
| 25th percentile | $64,270 | $30.90 |
| Median | $76,990 | $37.02 |
| 75th percentile | $82,460 | $39.65 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,660 | $49.36 |
| Average (mean) | $77,110 | $37.07 |
Half of architectural and civil drafters earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,415.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,207.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,961.15 |
| Weekly | $1,480.58 |
| Hourly | $37.02 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $76,990 salary, see how much house you can afford in Massachusetts at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Architectural and Civil Drafters salary in cities in Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $79,310 | 2,150 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $73,130 | 40 |
| Worcester, MA | $72,310 | 160 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $70,780 | 370 |
| Springfield, MA | $70,080 | 70 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $68,020 | 40 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $67,250 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for architectural and civil drafters
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $97,880 |
| Massachusetts | $76,990 |
| California | $76,520 |
| Colorado | $76,370 |
| Connecticut | $76,290 |
| New York | $76,260 |
| Maryland | $75,180 |
| Georgia | $74,940 |
| Oregon | $74,000 |
| Delaware | $73,040 |
Related jobs in Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $77,710 | $37.36 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $71,830 | $34.53 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $62,390 | $30.00 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $67,450 | $32.43 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $73,630 | $35.40 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $71,350 | $34.30 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $58,730 | $28.24 |
| Mechanical Drafter | $75,490 | $36.29 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $87,290 | $41.97 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $75,500 | $36.30 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $66,860 | $32.14 |
| Drafters, All Other | $72,100 | $34.66 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $79,420 | $38.18 |
| Industrial Engineer | $109,420 | $52.61 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-3011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a architectural and civil drafters make in Massachusetts?
The median salary for architectural and civil drafters in Massachusetts is $76,990 a year, or $37.02 an hour. Pay ranges from $56,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid architectural and civil drafters make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of architectural and civil drafters in Massachusetts earn at least $102,660 a year. The top 25% earn $82,460 or more.
What is the starting pay for architectural and civil drafters in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $56,850 a year, and a quarter of architectural and civil drafters earn $64,270 or less.
How many architectural and civil drafters work in Massachusetts?
About 2,660 architectural and civil drafters are employed in Massachusetts, not counting the self-employed.