Computer-Aided Design Drafter Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Computer-Aided Design Drafter make?

The average salary for a Computer-Aided Design Drafter is $60,203 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Computer-Aided Design Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $60,203 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Computer-Aided Design Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $60,203 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Computer-Aided Design Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $60,203 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Computer-Aided Design Drafter positions, showing an average salary of $60,203 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Computer-Aided Design Drafter uses special software to create detailed drawings for buildings, machines, and other products. This job is important for many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and engineering. The average yearly salary for a Computer-Aided Design Drafter is around $60,203. This means that most drafters earn somewhere in this range each year.

The salary of a Computer-Aided Design Drafter can vary based on experience and location. Drafters with more experience and those in larger cities often earn more. Here are some average yearly salaries for different experience levels:

Entry-level: $36,000
Early career: $42,273
Mid-career: $48,545
Experienced: $54,818
Late career: $61,091
Early post-retirement: $67,364
Mid post-retirement: $73,636
Late post-retirement: $79,909
Very late post-retirement: $86,182
Peak: $92,455
End of career: $98,727
Potential retirement: $105,000

What are the highest paying cities for a Computer-Aided Design Drafter?

Job seekers looking for Computer-Aided Design Drafter roles can find some of the highest salaries in Phoenix, AZ, where the average pay is $70,507. Austin, TX, also offers a competitive salary of $65,508. Denver, CO, provides a strong earning potential of $63,188. These cities present excellent opportunities for Computer-Aided Design Drafters to secure higher wages. Houston, TX, St. Louis, MO, and Las Vegas, NV, also offer attractive salaries, making them viable options for those in the field.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Computer-Aided Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Phoenix, AZ with the highest at $70,507 and Las Vegas, NV with the lowest at $52,092.

Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $70,507
In Phoenix, Arizona, a CAD drafter works in a thriving tech industry. Companies like Intel and Honeywell offer many opportunities. The city's warm climate and growing job market make it a great place to start or advance a career.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $65,508
Austin, Texas, is known for its tech scene and vibrant culture. CAD drafters here find work with major companies like Dell and Apple. The city's lively atmosphere and strong job growth make it an exciting place for professionals.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $63,188
Denver, Colorado, offers a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles. CAD drafters can find jobs with companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The city's beautiful scenery and growing economy provide a great environment for career development.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $57,150
Houston, Texas, is a hub for energy and aerospace. CAD drafters here work with companies like ExxonMobil and NASA. The city's diverse job market and strong industry presence offer many opportunities for growth.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $54,082
St. Louis, Missouri, has a rich industrial history and a growing tech sector. CAD drafters can find jobs with companies like Boeing and Edward Jones. The city's affordable cost of living and strong community make it an attractive place to work.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $52,092
Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a dynamic job market with a focus on entertainment and technology. CAD drafters here work with companies like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. The city's vibrant energy and diverse opportunities make it an exciting place for professionals.
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What are the best companies a Computer-Aided Design Drafter can work for?

Insight Global offers one of the highest salaries for Computer-Aided Design Drafters, averaging around $50,063 per year. Hire Technologies, Inc. also provides a competitive salary, with a yearly average of about $47,127. Liceo de Arte y Tecnología, while offering a lower average salary of $24,236, still provides a valuable opportunity for those in the field.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Computer-Aided Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Insight Global with the highest at $50,063 and Liceo de Arte y Tecnología with the lowest at $24,236.

Insight Global
Average Salary: $50,063
Insight Global offers rewarding opportunities for Computer-Aided Design Drafters. They work with clients in various industries, including aerospace, engineering, and construction. Locations include major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Hire Technologies, Inc.
Average Salary: $47,127
Hire Technologies, Inc. provides a dynamic environment for CAD Drafters. They focus on technology and software development. Their offices are in Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Austin, offering a chance to work on innovative projects.
Liceo de Arte y Tecnología
Average Salary: $24,236
Liceo de Arte y Tecnología is a leading educational institution that offers positions for CAD Drafters. They emphasize creativity and technical skills. The company operates in several locations in Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona.

How to earn more as a Computer-Aided Design Drafter?

A Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized skills in software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks can make a drafter more valuable. These skills allow for more complex and efficient designs, which employers often pay a premium for. Another way to earn more is by obtaining certifications. Certifications in specific CAD software or design principles can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and dedication to the field.

Experience and a strong portfolio also play a significant role in earning potential. Drafters with more years of experience and a portfolio showcasing a variety of successful projects can command higher salaries. Networking within the industry and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies can open up higher-paying opportunities. Finally, seeking out positions in industries that heavily rely on CAD, such as aerospace or automotive, can lead to higher earnings. These sectors often offer competitive salaries to attract skilled drafters.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a CAD Drafter:

Specialized skills in CAD software
Obtaining relevant certifications
Gaining experience and building a strong portfolio
Networking within the industry
Seeking positions in high-demand industries

Computer-Aided Design Drafter Salaries

How much does a Computer-Aided Design Drafter make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Computer-Aided Design Drafter?

What are the best companies a Computer-Aided Design Drafter can work for?

How to earn more as a Computer-Aided Design Drafter?

Currently 53 Computer-Aided Design Drafter job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Computer-Aided Design Drafter in the US?

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