Architectural and Civil Drafters salary in Rapid City, SD
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn a median of $57,300 a year ($27.55 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,770 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $66,150. Pay here is 9% higher than the South Dakota statewide median of $52,470. There are 0.66 architectural and civil drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $58,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for architectural and civil drafters in Rapid City, SD
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,410 | $23.76 |
| 25th percentile | $50,160 | $24.12 |
| Median | $57,300 | $27.55 |
| 75th percentile | $63,520 | $30.54 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,770 | $35.95 |
| Average (mean) | $58,350 | $28.05 |
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 | $4,775 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,387.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,203.85 |
| Weekly | $1,101.92 |
| Hourly | $27.55 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $57,300 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Architectural and Civil Drafters salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $61,630 | 40 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $58,860 | 210 |
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 |
See Architectural and Civil Drafters pay in every state or the South Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rapid City, SD
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $58,610 | $28.18 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $51,940 | $24.97 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,300 | $48.22 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $94,180 | $45.28 |
| Electrical Engineer | $105,330 | $50.64 |
| Industrial Engineer | $81,480 | $39.17 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $115,600 | $55.58 |
| Surveyor | $78,320 | $37.65 |
| Environmental Engineer | $94,370 | $45.37 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Rapid City, SD
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 Rapid City, SD?
The median salary for architectural and civil drafters in the Rapid City, SD metro area is $57,300 a year, or $27.55 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid architectural and civil drafters make in Rapid City, SD?
The top 10% of architectural and civil drafters in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn at least $74,770 a year. The top 25% earn $63,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for architectural and civil drafters in Rapid City, SD?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,410 a year, and a quarter of architectural and civil drafters earn $50,160 or less.
How many architectural and civil drafters work in Rapid City, SD?
About 50 architectural and civil drafters are employed in the Rapid City, SD metro area, not counting the self-employed.