Position
Salary

How much does a CAD Drafter make?

The average salary for a CAD Drafter is $55,644 per year in the US.

CAD Drafters play a key role in many industries, creating detailed plans and designs. Their work is important for projects in architecture, engineering, and construction. The average yearly salary for a CAD Drafter is around $55,644. This means that many people in this job can expect to earn a steady income.

The salary for CAD Drafters can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn higher salaries. Some CAD Drafters make less than $40,000 a year, while others make more than $70,000. Here are some common salary ranges:

  • 10% earn less than $40,391
  • 25% earn between $40,391 and $45,782
  • 50% earn between $45,782 and $56,564
  • 75% earn between $56,564 and $72,736
  • 90% earn less than $78,127

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What are the highest paying cities for a CAD Drafter?

CAD Drafters can find some of the best pay in Seattle, Washington, where the average salary is $70,545. Los Angeles, California, offers a close second with an average salary of $69,983. Colorado Springs, Colorado, also provides a strong earning potential at $65,628 per year. These cities offer competitive salaries for CAD Drafters, making them attractive locations for professionals in this field. Virginia Beach, Chicago, and Raleigh also offer solid average salaries, ranging from $65,000 to $60,000. Job seekers should consider these cities for better financial opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for CAD Drafter jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $70,545 and Buffalo, NY with the lowest at $57,988.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $70,545
    In Seattle, CAD Drafters work in a tech-driven environment. Companies like Amazon and Boeing offer many opportunities. The city's strong economy supports steady demand for skilled drafters.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $69,983
    Los Angeles provides a vibrant setting for CAD Drafters. With major firms in entertainment and aerospace, the city offers diverse projects. The dynamic industry keeps professionals engaged and in demand.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $65,628
    Colorado Springs is a hub for defense and aerospace. CAD Drafters here work on cutting-edge projects. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman provide excellent career growth.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  4. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $65,068
    In Virginia Beach, CAD Drafters contribute to both military and commercial sectors. The city's focus on defense and maritime industries offers stable job prospects. Local companies value skilled drafters.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $59,887
    Chicago offers a bustling environment for CAD Drafters. The city's architecture and infrastructure projects provide diverse opportunities. Major firms in finance and manufacturing seek skilled professionals.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $59,797
    Raleigh is a growing tech center for CAD Drafters. The city's Research Triangle Park attracts many tech companies. Professionals here enjoy a mix of projects and a supportive work culture.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Raleigh, NC


  7. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $58,753
    Baltimore offers a mix of maritime and industrial projects for CAD Drafters. The city's port and manufacturing sectors provide steady work. Local companies value precision and detail in drafting.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Baltimore, MD


  8. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $58,361
    In Albany, CAD Drafters work on government and educational projects. The city's focus on infrastructure and public services offers stable employment. Local firms appreciate skilled drafters for their accuracy.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Albany, NY


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $58,272
    Portland provides a creative environment for CAD Drafters. The city's focus on sustainable design and green projects is prominent. Local companies value innovation and detail in drafting.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $57,988
    Buffalo offers a mix of industrial and architectural projects for CAD Drafters. The city's manufacturing sector provides steady job opportunities. Local firms seek skilled professionals for precision and efficiency.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Buffalo, NY

What are the best companies a CAD Drafter can work for?

LNO-Inc. offers the highest average salary for CAD Drafters at $69,705. Randstad follows closely with an average salary of $59,368. Insight Global and Express Employment Professionals also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options. These companies value skilled CAD Drafters and offer good compensation packages. Mancan, while offering a lower average salary, still provides a stable income for CAD Drafters. Job seekers should consider these companies for their career growth and financial benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for CAD Drafter jobs, highlighting LNO-Inc. with the highest at $69,705 and Mancan with the lowest at $44,836.
  1. LNO-Inc.
    Average Salary: $69,705
    LNO-Inc. offers competitive salaries for CAD Drafters. They provide a dynamic work environment and opportunities to grow. They operate in various locations, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.


  2. Randstad
    Average Salary: $59,368
    Randstad is known for its excellent benefits and career growth for CAD Drafters. They offer a wide range of projects and locations across the country, including Houston, San Francisco, and Atlanta.


  3. Express Employment Professionals
    Average Salary: $52,891
    Express Employment Professionals provides a supportive environment for CAD Drafters. They offer diverse opportunities and are located in many cities, such as Dallas, Miami, and Denver.


  4. Insight Global
    Average Salary: $48,989
    Insight Global offers a variety of projects for CAD Drafters. They focus on professional development and have offices in major cities like Boston, Seattle, and Philadelphia.


  5. Mancan
    Average Salary: $44,836
    Mancan provides a stable work environment for CAD Drafters. They offer good benefits and are located in key areas such as Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Tampa.

How to earn more as a CAD Drafter?

A CAD Drafter can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience and expertise in specialized industries such as architecture, engineering, or construction can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest CAD software and tools can also enhance a drafter's skill set, making them more valuable to employers.

Networking and building professional relationships can open doors to better job offers. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers on platforms like LinkedIn can provide access to higher-paying positions. Additionally, obtaining certifications and advanced degrees in CAD or related fields can significantly boost earning potential. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to professional development and can set a drafter apart from their peers.

Here are some factors to consider for increasing earnings as a CAD Drafter:

  1. Specialize in high-demand industries.
  2. Stay updated with the latest CAD software and tools.
  3. Network and build professional relationships.
  4. Obtain certifications and advanced degrees.
  5. Seek out higher-paying job opportunities.

Currently 96 CAD Drafter job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a CAD Drafter in the US?

Learn what a CAD Drafter does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a CAD Drafter today.
Position
Overview
CAD Drafter
96 Job Openings