Position
Salary

How much does a Design Drafter make?

The average salary for a Design Drafter is $61,721 per year in the US.

A Design Drafter creates technical drawings and plans for various projects. This job requires skills in design software and a good understanding of engineering principles. The average yearly salary for a Design Drafter is around $61,721. This means that, on average, a Design Drafter earns a decent income.


The salary for a Design Drafter can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level Design Drafters might start with a salary around $39,000. As they gain more experience, their salary can increase. Experienced Design Drafters can earn up to $100,000 or more. Some factors that can affect salary include the industry, the size of the company, and the complexity of the projects. Design Drafters in larger cities or areas with a high cost of living may also earn more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Design Drafter?

Milwaukee, WI, offers the highest average salary for Design Drafters at $88,064. This city provides a strong market for skilled professionals in the field. San Diego, CA, and Minneapolis, MN, follow closely with average salaries of $75,501 and $71,776, respectively. These cities present excellent opportunities for Design Drafters seeking competitive compensation. Charlotte, NC, and Buffalo, NY, also offer attractive salaries, making them viable options for job seekers. Dallas, TX, and Chattanooga, TN, provide solid earning potential, while Houston, TX, Denver, CO, and Tampa, FL, round out the list of top-paying cities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Milwaukee, WI with the highest at $88,064 and Tampa, FL with the lowest at $59,668.
  1. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $88,064
    Milwaukee offers a thriving environment for design professionals. Companies like Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson seek skilled drafters. The city's strong manufacturing sector provides ample opportunities.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $75,501
    In San Diego, design drafters find work in tech and biotech firms. Companies like Qualcomm and Illumina need experts for their projects. The city's diverse economy supports a steady demand for drafters.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $71,776
    Minneapolis, known as the 'City of Lakes', has a robust market for design drafters. Companies like 3M and Target require skilled professionals. The city's vibrant business scene offers many job prospects.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $65,548
    Charlotte is a growing hub for design drafters. Financial institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo need drafting expertise. The city's expanding economy creates many opportunities for drafters.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Charlotte, NC


  5. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $61,574
    Buffalo offers a stable job market for design drafters. Companies like General Electric and Tops Markets seek skilled professionals. The city's focus on manufacturing and healthcare provides diverse job options.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Buffalo, NY


  6. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $60,855
    Dallas is a key city for design drafters. Companies like AT&T and ExxonMobil need drafting skills. The city's strong economy and diverse industries offer many job opportunities.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Dallas, TX


  7. Chattanooga, TN
    Average Salary: $60,847
    Chattanooga provides a growing market for design drafters. Companies like Volkswagen and EPB offer job opportunities. The city's focus on manufacturing and technology supports a steady demand for drafters.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $60,009
    Houston is a major center for design drafters. Energy companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron need skilled professionals. The city's diverse economy offers many job prospects.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Houston, TX


  9. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $59,742
    Denver offers a dynamic job market for design drafters. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Denver International Airport need drafting expertise. The city's strong economy supports many job opportunities.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Denver, CO


  10. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $59,668
    Tampa provides a growing market for design drafters. Companies like Raymond James and Busch Gardens seek skilled professionals. The city's diverse economy offers many job prospects.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Tampa, FL

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

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers the highest average salary for Design Drafter jobs at $90,396. This company provides a competitive pay package and valuable career growth opportunities. Sargent & Lundy also offers a strong salary of $51,079, making it another excellent choice for those in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Los Alamos National Laboratory with the highest at $90,396 and AAON with the lowest at $50,235.
  1. Los Alamos National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $90,396
    Los Alamos National Laboratory offers rewarding Design Drafter jobs. They work on cutting-edge projects in New Mexico. The role involves creating detailed designs and blueprints. This company values innovation and teamwork.


  2. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $51,079
    Sargent & Lundy provides Design Drafter positions with a focus on engineering and architecture. They operate in multiple locations, including Chicago, Illinois. Employees here create precise technical drawings. The company emphasizes quality and precision.


  3. AAON
    Average Salary: $50,235
    AAON offers Design Drafter jobs with a strong emphasis on HVAC systems. They have offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The role involves drafting detailed plans and specifications. The company promotes a collaborative work environment.

How to earn more as a Design Drafter?

To increase your earnings as a Design Drafter, consider focusing on key areas that can enhance your skills and marketability. Gaining expertise in specialized software and tools can make you more valuable to employers. This includes mastering programs like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Revit. These skills can open up higher-paying job opportunities and make you a sought-after professional.

Another important factor is obtaining relevant certifications. Certifications from recognized organizations can validate your skills and knowledge. They can also make you more competitive in the job market. Certifications such as the Certified Design Drafter (CDD) or LEED accreditation can significantly boost your resume. They can also lead to higher salary offers. Networking with other professionals in the field can also lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations. Attending industry conferences and joining professional associations can help you build valuable connections. Finally, gaining experience in different industries can make you more versatile. It can also increase your earning potential. Each industry has its own unique challenges and requirements, and experience in multiple areas can make you a more valuable asset to potential employers.

Consider these factors to enhance your career as a Design Drafter:

  1. Master specialized software and tools.
  2. Obtain relevant certifications.
  3. Network with other professionals.
  4. Gain experience in different industries.
  5. Continuously update your skills and knowledge.

Currently 100 Design Drafter job openings, nationwide.

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

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