When I used to work for a local general contractor who had military contracts we did all of are mapping in AutoCAD and MicroStation. The local utility company that I need a bunch of GPS work for used only AutoCAD with GPS data input. Of course this was about a decade ago, but from what I've heard it has changed very little with the exception of new AutoCAD add-on packages that allow more specialized uses.

That said you are correct the pricing for this software is out of range of most 'hobbyists', but if you are going to do work that will get you paid in addition to the hobby then nothing less would be expected.