Position
Salary

How much does a CAD Drafter make?

The average salary for a CAD Drafter is $56,121 per year in the US.

A CAD drafter earns an average of $56,121 a year. This job pays fairly well, making it a good option for many people looking for work. Most CAD drafters make between $41,364 and $73,545 a year. This range shows that there are good opportunities for growth in this field.

Experience and location also affect how much a CAD drafter earns. Those with more experience usually make more money. Also, some cities and states pay CAD drafters more than others. Generally, areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher salaries. This means that working in big cities can often lead to higher pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a CAD Drafter?

CAD Drafter jobs offer excellent salaries in several cities. Albany, NY, leads with an average salary of $66,896. Following closely, Buffalo, NY, offers $66,322. Denver, CO, also provides a strong salary of $61,528. These cities provide competitive pay for CAD Drafters. Chicago, IL, and Portland, OR, also offer high salaries of $61,164 and $59,876, respectively. Exploring job opportunities in these areas can lead to rewarding careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for CAD Drafter jobs, highlighting Albany, NY with the highest at $66,896 and Jacksonville, FL with the lowest at $56,580.
  1. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $66,896
    In Albany, a role in drafting often involves collaborating with government agencies and educational institutions. Prominent companies in the area offer opportunities to work on diverse projects, from infrastructure to educational facilities.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Albany, NY


  2. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $66,322
    Buffalo offers a variety of opportunities in drafting, particularly in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Companies here focus on innovative projects, providing a dynamic work environment.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Buffalo, NY


  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $61,528
    Denver's drafting professionals benefit from the city's growing tech and construction industries. The vibrant market offers jobs in renewable energy and infrastructure, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Denver, CO


  4. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $61,164
    Chicago's drafting roles often intersect with finance, architecture, and manufacturing. The city's diverse industries provide a wealth of opportunities for those in drafting, from skyscrapers to public transit systems.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $59,876
    In Portland, drafting professionals contribute to the city's green building initiatives and tech startups. The focus on sustainability offers unique projects, from eco-friendly buildings to innovative tech solutions.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Portland, OR


  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $59,104
    San Diego's drafting scene is vibrant, with a mix of military, aerospace, and biotech companies. Professionals here enjoy a mix of traditional construction and cutting-edge tech projects.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $58,176
    Kansas City offers drafting jobs that span healthcare, aviation, and finance. Companies in the area often seek professionals to design and draft plans for new developments and infrastructure.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Kansas City, MO


  8. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $57,713
    Phoenix's drafting professionals work in a variety of fields, including real estate, construction, and renewable energy. The city's growth provides numerous opportunities to be part of large-scale projects.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  9. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $57,452
    Baltimore's drafting roles are diverse, with opportunities in healthcare, maritime, and urban development. The city's rich history and modern projects provide a unique backdrop for drafting professionals.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Baltimore, MD


  10. Jacksonville, FL
    Average Salary: $56,580
    In Jacksonville, drafting professionals contribute to projects in logistics, maritime, and education. The city's focus on infrastructure development offers a range of opportunities in drafting.
    Find CAD Drafter jobs in Jacksonville, FL

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

Luster National pays CAD Drafters the highest, offering an average salary of $97,583. Randstad also provides a competitive salary of $55,682. Those interested in joining a reputable company with good pay should consider these options. Insight Global and Mancan offer lower salaries at $45,064 and $44,856, respectively. Colliers Engineering & Design pays $49,828, which is still a good offer for CAD Drafters. Job seekers should weigh the salaries against company culture and career growth opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for CAD Drafter jobs, highlighting Luster National with the highest at $97,583 and Mancan with the lowest at $44,856.
  1. Luster National
    Average Salary: $97,583
    Luster National offers rewarding CAD Drafter jobs. They focus on architecture, engineering, and construction. They have offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.


  2. Randstad
    Average Salary: $55,682
    Randstad provides CAD Drafter positions with a focus on engineering and design. They are present in many cities across the United States, including San Francisco, Denver, and Miami.


  3. Colliers Engineering & Design
    Average Salary: $49,828
    Colliers Engineering & Design hires CAD Drafters for architecture and engineering projects. They have offices in Boston, Dallas, and Seattle. They value innovation and teamwork.


  4. Insight Global
    Average Salary: $45,064
    Insight Global offers CAD Drafter jobs that span various sectors. They operate in multiple locations, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Austin. They prioritize professional growth.


  5. Mancan
    Average Salary: $44,856
    Mancan looks for CAD Drafters to work on engineering projects. They have offices in San Diego, Minneapolis, and Portland. They emphasize teamwork and quality.

How to earn more as a CAD Drafter?

CAD drafters create technical drawings using computer-aided design software. They use their skills to build models and plans. Increasing your earnings as a CAD drafter involves mastering your craft and expanding your skillset. The following factors can help boost your salary and open new job opportunities.

Experience and specialization are key. More experienced drafters typically earn more. Specialized skills, such as expertise in architectural or mechanical design, can make a drafter more valuable. Working in high-demand industries, like aerospace or civil engineering, can also lead to higher pay. Certification from recognized organizations, such as the National CAD Standards, can also improve earning potential.

To earn more, consider these five factors:

  1. Advance your education and training.
  2. Gain industry-specific experience.
  3. Get certified.
  4. Network with professionals in your field.
  5. Keep up with the latest software and technology trends.

Currently 133 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
133 Job Openings