Architectural and Civil Drafter Salary in Houston, TX
Architectural and Civil Drafters in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area earn a median $63,120 a year — 5% less than the national median. After 2026 taxes, that is $52,897 take-home, or $4,408 a month.
Take-home pay calculator
Pre-filled with the median architectural and civil drafter salary in Houston, TX. Enter your own offer to see your paycheck.
- Federal income tax$5,394
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,913
- Medicare (1.45%)$915
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$52,897
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Got an offer somewhere else? Compare it with this one after taxes and rent →
Architectural and Civil Drafter pay by experience in Houston, TX
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home / yr | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,590 | $21.92 | $38,812 | $3,234 |
| 25th percentile | $50,070 | $24.07 | $42,411 | $3,534 |
| Median (50th) | $63,120 | $30.35 | $52,897 | $4,408 |
| 75th percentile | $80,970 | $38.93 | $65,792 | $5,483 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,170 | $50.08 | $82,114 | $6,843 |
Wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Take-home: single filer, Texas resident, 2026 tax rules.
What $63,120 buys in Houston, TX
Prices in Houston, TX are 1.4% lower than the U.S. average (housing costs are 1.05× the national average). Adjusted for local prices, a median architectural and civil drafter's $52,897 take-home pay has the buying power of $53,632 in a typical American city.
Rents: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 (40th-percentile gross rent incl. utilities). Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Houston, TX has 1.9× the national concentration of architectural and civil drafter jobs — a strong local market for this occupation.
Best-paying cities for architectural and civil drafters, adjusted for cost of living
Houston, TX ranks #2 of 4 metro areas once taxes and local prices are taken into account.
| # | Metro area | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas, TX | $66,890 | $55,887 | $54,212 |
| 2 | Houston, TX | $63,120 | $52,897 | $53,632 |
| 3 | New York, NY | $77,170 | $59,549 | $52,903 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $76,630 | $58,825 | $51,798 |
*Take-home pay divided by the BEA price level, so every city is measured in U.S.-average dollars. See all 4 metros →
About the job: architectural and civil drafters
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.
- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +5.2% (faster than average)
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Architectural and Civil Drafter salaries elsewhere in Texas
- Dallas, TX — $66,890
Frequently asked questions
How much does a architectural and civil drafter make in Houston, TX?
The median architectural and civil drafter salary in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area is $63,120 a year, or about $30.35 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The middle half earn between $50,070 and $80,970.
What is a architectural and civil drafter’s take-home pay in Houston, TX?
On the median $63,120 salary, a single filer living in Texas takes home about $52,897 a year ($4,408 a month) after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare in 2026.
Is Houston, TX a good place to work as a architectural and civil drafter?
Pay here is 5% below the national median of $66,150. Local prices are 1.4% below the U.S. average, so the take-home pay buys what $53,632 would in a typical U.S. city. Houston, TX ranks #2 of 4 metro areas for cost-of-living-adjusted pay in this job.
Can a architectural and civil drafter afford rent in Houston, TX?
HUD’s fair market rent for a one-bedroom in Houston, TX is $1,316 a month ($1,558 for two bedrooms) — 30% of a median architectural and civil drafter’s monthly take-home pay. Financial planners usually suggest keeping rent under about 30%.
Related jobs in Houston, TX
- Petroleum Engineer — $169,870
- Electrical Engineer — $131,070
- Engineers, All Other — $130,270
- Mechanical Engineer — $125,350
- Industrial Engineer — $111,690
- Civil Engineer — $100,950
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval — $97,590
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other — $76,120
- Surveying and Mapping Technician — $49,570