CAD Drafter Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a CAD Drafter make?

The average salary for a CAD Drafter is $57,265 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for CAD Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $57,265 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for CAD Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $57,265 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for CAD Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $57,265 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for CAD Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $57,265 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

CAD Drafters create detailed technical drawings for various industries. This important role helps make sure buildings, products, and systems are designed correctly. On average, CAD Drafters earn around $57,265 per year. This number can change based on experience and location.

CAD Drafters can expect their pay to grow with experience. Early-career professionals often start lower but see increases as they gain skills and take on more responsibility. Here is a look at average salaries at different experience levels:

0–2 years: $36,475
2–5 years: $42,022
5–10 years: $47,570
10–20 years: $53,118
20+ years: $97,500

This range shows how experience can make a difference in earnings.

What are the highest paying cities for a CAD Drafter?

Cities like Los Angeles, CA, and Seattle, WA, offer high salaries for CAD drafters. In Los Angeles, the average salary reaches $93,118, while Seattle follows closely at $83,212. These cities attract job seekers due to the higher earning potential and demand for skilled professionals.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for CAD Drafter jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $93,118 and Houston, TX with the lowest at $55,497.

Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $93,118
In Los Angeles, drafters work in a vibrant industry with diverse opportunities. Many professionals find roles in architecture firms and construction companies. Well-known employers include Gensler and AECOM.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $83,212
Seattle offers a dynamic environment for drafting professionals. With many tech companies and architectural firms, drafters often collaborate on innovative projects. Major employers include Bohler Engineering and Magnusson Architecture.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $72,538
San Diego is a thriving location for drafters, with plenty of opportunities in the construction and military sectors. Professionals here work with companies like Clark Nexsen and AECOM.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $72,017
Miami provides a sunny environment for drafters, with many jobs in construction and urban development. Notable employers include HNTB and Perkins+Will, offering diverse projects.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $66,684
In Denver, drafters enjoy a growing market with many opportunities in the construction and engineering sectors. Major employers include HNTB and Aecom, offering a variety of projects.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $65,399
Las Vegas offers a unique setting for drafters, with many jobs in the booming construction and entertainment sectors. Companies like Clark Construction and AECOM provide exciting opportunities.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $62,280
Phoenix is a bustling city for drafters, with a strong demand in construction and architecture. Professionals here work with companies like Clark Nexsen and AECOM, enjoying diverse projects.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $58,318
In Kansas City, drafters find a balanced work environment with opportunities in construction and engineering. Notable employers include HNTB and AECOM.
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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $58,000
Syracuse offers a supportive community for drafters, with many jobs in architecture and engineering. Professionals here work with companies like Clark Nexsen and Aecom.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $55,497
Houston provides a dynamic market for drafters, with many opportunities in the oil and gas sectors. Major employers include AECOM and Clark Construction, offering a variety of projects.
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What are the best companies a CAD Drafter can work for?

Actalent stands out as a top employer for CAD drafters, offering an average salary of $64,218. The company provides competitive wages and strong benefits. Insight Global also offers good pay at $46,773 on average, with a focus on career growth and job stability.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for CAD Drafter jobs, highlighting Actalent with the highest at $64,218 and Insight Global with the lowest at $46,773.

Actalent
Average Salary: $64,218
Actalent offers competitive salaries for CAD Drafters. The company provides opportunities in various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and construction. With locations across the U.S., Actalent helps CAD Drafters find roles that fit their skills and career goals.
Insight Global
Average Salary: $46,773
Insight Global is known for providing solid opportunities for CAD Drafters. This company focuses on connecting skilled professionals with employers in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Insight Global operates nationwide, offering CAD Drafters the chance to work in different environments.

How to earn more as a CAD Drafter?

CAD drafters can find many ways to increase their income. Working in computer-aided design offers many opportunities to boost your earnings. These strategies focus on skill development, experience, and networking. Making small changes can make a big difference.

Here are some key factors to consider for increasing your earnings as a CAD drafter:

Specialize in a niche: Focus on specific industries like architecture, mechanical, or civil engineering. Specialization can command higher pay.
Upgrade your skills: Learn advanced software and stay current with industry trends. Certifications in software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks can improve job opportunities.
Seek more experience: Take on complex projects to gain valuable experience. More experience can lead to higher-paying roles.
Network actively: Connect with professionals in your field. Attend industry events and join online communities. Networking can uncover higher-paying job openings.
Consider freelance or contract work: Offering freelance services can increase income. Taking on contract projects can provide additional earnings outside of a regular job.

How much does a CAD Drafter make?

What are the highest paying cities for a CAD Drafter?

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

How to earn more as a CAD Drafter?

Currently 116 CAD Drafter job openings, nationwide.

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

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