Position
Salary

How much does a Design Drafter make?

The average salary for a Design Drafter is $61,913 per year in the US.

A Design Drafter creates technical drawings and plans for various projects. They work in fields like architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. The average yearly salary for a Design Drafter is around $61,913. This salary can vary based on experience and location.


Here are some salary ranges for Design Drafters:

  • The lowest 10% earn less than $40,000.
  • The next 10% earn between $40,000 and $45,455.
  • The next 20% earn between $45,455 and $61,818.
  • The next 20% earn between $61,818 and $72,727.
  • The highest 10% earn more than $94,545.
View Design Drafter jobs nearby

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 this field. San Diego, CA, and Minneapolis, MN, follow closely with average salaries of $77,155 and $71,540, respectively. These cities present excellent opportunities for Design Drafters seeking competitive compensation. Orlando, FL, and Charlotte, NC, also offer attractive salaries, making them viable options for those looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Milwaukee, WI with the highest at $88,064 and Greensboro, NC with the lowest at $59,272.
  1. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $88,064
    In Milwaukee, professionals create detailed designs for construction projects. Companies like Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson offer opportunities. Milwaukee's strong manufacturing sector supports a steady demand for skilled design professionals.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $77,155
    San Diego offers a vibrant environment for design professionals. With companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms, the city provides diverse opportunities. The sunny climate and beautiful surroundings make it a great place to work.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $71,540
    Minneapolis is a hub for design talent. Working with companies like Target and 3M, professionals here focus on innovative projects. The city's strong economy and quality of life attract many skilled workers.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $67,052
    Orlando offers exciting opportunities in design, especially with companies like Disney and Universal Studios. The city's booming tourism industry creates a steady demand for skilled design professionals. Orlando's vibrant atmosphere makes it a great place to work.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Orlando, FL


  5. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $65,548
    Charlotte is a growing city for design professionals. With companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy, the job market is strong. The city's rapid growth and diverse economy offer many opportunities.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Charlotte, NC


  6. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $63,215
    Buffalo provides a mix of traditional and modern design opportunities. Companies like General Electric and Tops Markets offer diverse roles. The city's rich history and cultural scene make it a unique place to work.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Buffalo, NY


  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $63,093
    Dallas offers a dynamic environment for design professionals. With companies like AT&T and Texas Instruments, the job market is robust. The city's fast-paced lifestyle and business opportunities make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Dallas, TX


  8. Chattanooga, TN
    Average Salary: $60,847
    Chattanooga is a great place for design professionals. Companies like Volkswagen and EPB offer diverse opportunities. The city's scenic beauty and affordable cost of living make it an appealing choice.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  9. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $59,895
    Houston offers a thriving job market for design professionals. With companies like ExxonMobil and Shell, the city provides many opportunities. Houston's diverse economy and vibrant culture make it a great place to work.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Houston, TX


  10. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $59,272
    Greensboro is a growing city for design talent. Companies like IBM and Volvo offer diverse roles. The city's strong economy and quality of life attract many skilled workers.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Greensboro, NC

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

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers top pay for Design Drafters, with an average salary of $88,564. This company provides a competitive salary and benefits for skilled professionals. Sargent & Lundy also offers a solid salary of $51,366 for Design Drafters, making it another attractive option for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Los Alamos National Laboratory with the highest at $88,564 and Sargent & Lundy with the lowest at $51,366.
  1. Los Alamos National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $88,564
    Los Alamos National Laboratory offers Design Drafter jobs with a competitive salary. This company operates in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and provides a dynamic work environment. Design Drafters here create detailed technical drawings and blueprints for various projects.


  2. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $51,366
    Sargent & Lundy is a well-known company for Design Drafter positions. They operate in multiple locations, including Chicago, Illinois, and Houston, Texas. Design Drafters at this company work on engineering projects, focusing on precision and accuracy in their technical drawings.

How to earn more as a Design Drafter?

A Design Drafter can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized skills can lead to higher-paying positions. For example, expertise in software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks can make a drafter more valuable. Another way to earn more is by obtaining professional certifications. These credentials can demonstrate a higher level of competence and dedication to the field.

Experience plays a crucial role in salary increases. A Design Drafter with more years in the industry often commands a higher salary. Networking with other professionals can also open doors to better-paying opportunities. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can help build connections. Lastly, seeking out roles in high-demand industries, such as aerospace or automotive, can lead to higher earnings. These industries often offer competitive salaries to attract skilled drafters.

Consider these factors to boost earnings as a Design Drafter:

  1. Specialized skills in design software
  2. Professional certifications
  3. Years of experience
  4. Networking and professional connections
  5. Roles in high-demand industries

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
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Design Drafter
100 Job Openings