How Much Do Architectural and Civil Drafters Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Architectural and Civil Drafters in California earns $76,520 per year and takes home $59,752 ($4,979/month) — a keep-rate of 78.1%, with 11,400 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $6,376.67 |
| Federal income tax | $667.02 |
| Social Security | $395.35 |
| Medicare | $92.46 |
| California state income tax | $242.45 |
| You keep | $4,979.37 |
How much do Architectural and Civil Drafters make in California?
The median Architectural and Civil Drafters in California earns $76,520 per year (BLS May 2025), about $36.79 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$76,520 gross in California keeps $59,752 after federal income tax ($8,004), FICA ($5,854) and state income tax ($2,909) — $4,979 per month, a 78.1% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Architectural and Civil Drafters?
The California median is $10,370 above the national median of $66,150.
Which state pays Architectural and Civil Drafters the most?
Washington DC has the highest median gross for Architectural and Civil Drafters at $97,880 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Architectural and Civil Drafters salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage