Position
Salary

How much does a Design Drafter make?

The average salary for a Design Drafter is $64,222 per year in the US.

A Design Drafter plays a key role in many industries. They create detailed technical drawings and blueprints. This work is important for manufacturing and construction projects. Design Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce accurate plans. Their skills help businesses and organizations bring their ideas to life.

The salary for a Design Drafter can vary based on experience and location. On average, a Design Drafter earns around $64,222 a year. Here are some common salaries:

  • 10% make about $36,000 a year
  • 25% earn around $43,000 a year
  • 50% make between $50,000 and $64,000 a year
  • 25% earn more than $71,000 a year
Being skilled and experienced can help a Design Drafter earn a higher salary.

View Design Drafter jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Design Drafter?

Design Drafters in Houston, TX, find some of the highest pay in the industry, with an average salary of $75,620 annually. Cities like Buffalo, NY, and Minneapolis, MN, also offer strong compensation for these professionals, with average salaries around $73,481 and $68,312, respectively. For those willing to relocate, cities such as Virginia Beach, VA, and Tulsa, OK, provide competitive salaries as well, with averages of $65,172 and $59,078 annually.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Houston, TX with the highest at $75,620 and Phoenix, AZ with the lowest at $51,603.
  1. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $75,620
    In Houston, professionals create detailed blueprints for construction projects. Many work with big companies like Jacobs Engineering and KBR. The city offers a mix of urban and outdoor projects.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Houston, TX


  2. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $73,481
    Buffalo offers a variety of design opportunities, with a focus on architectural projects. Companies like Topcon Positioning and Seneca One Tower employ talented design experts. The city's history adds a unique charm to the work.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Buffalo, NY


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $68,312
    Minneapolis boasts a strong job market for design professionals. Many find work with major firms such as 3M and Target. The city’s vibrant culture supports a dynamic work environment.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $65,172
    Design professionals in Virginia Beach create detailed plans for a variety of projects. Companies like Huntington Ingalls Industries and Northrop Grumman offer exciting opportunities. The coastal location provides a relaxed atmosphere.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  5. Tulsa, OK
    Average Salary: $59,078
    Tulsa offers a vibrant job market for design professionals. Companies like ONEOK and Phillips 66 provide diverse opportunities. The city's growing tech scene adds to the appeal.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Tulsa, OK


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $56,103
    Chicago is a hub for design talent, with many working for companies like Boeing and Motorola Solutions. The city’s rich history and architecture offer endless inspiration.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $51,603
    Phoenix offers a dynamic job market for design experts. Companies such as Freeport-McMoRan and Valley National Bank provide many opportunities. The city’s warm climate makes for a pleasant work environment.
    Find Design Drafter jobs in Phoenix, AZ

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

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers top-tier pay for Design Drafter jobs, with an average salary of $86,846. Moog Inc. follows closely with an average of $85,000. Both companies provide competitive compensation, making them excellent choices for career growth. Qualdoc, Actalent, and Winn-Marion Companies also offer attractive salaries for Design Drafters. Working at these firms can lead to lucrative opportunities. Each of these companies values skilled professionals, offering pay that reflects their importance in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Design Drafter jobs, highlighting Los Alamos National Laboratory with the highest at $86,846 and Pauley Construction, LLC with the lowest at $44,143.
  1. Los Alamos National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $86,846
    Los Alamos National Laboratory offers competitive salaries for Design Drafters. They work on cutting-edge projects in locations like Los Alamos, New Mexico, and remote sites across the U.S.


  2. Moog Inc.
    Average Salary: $84,993
    Moog Inc. provides excellent opportunities for Design Drafters. The company operates in multiple locations, including East Aurora, New York, and Clearwater, Florida, offering various benefits.


  3. Qualdoc
    Average Salary: $70,000
    Qualdoc offers attractive salaries for Design Drafters. They focus on quality documentation and operate mainly in the United States. Positions are available in remote and office settings.


  4. Actalent
    Average Salary: $66,236
    Actalent provides good pay for Design Drafters. They have offices in many states, including Illinois, California, and Texas, providing diverse opportunities.


  5. Winn-Marion Companies
    Average Salary: $65,000
    Winn-Marion Companies offers solid salaries for Design Drafters. They operate in the construction industry and have offices in states like Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana.


  6. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $52,807
    Sargent & Lundy offers competitive pay for Design Drafters. They work on engineering projects in various U.S. states, providing a dynamic work environment.


  7. Pauley Construction, LLC
    Average Salary: $44,143
    Pauley Construction, LLC provides salaries for Design Drafters. They operate in multiple locations, offering opportunities for career growth in the construction sector.

How to earn more as a Design Drafter?

Earning more as a Design Drafter can open new opportunities and increase job satisfaction. With the right approach, Design Drafters can maximize their earning potential. Understanding key factors can help achieve this goal. Consider these essential steps to increase your salary as a Design Drafter.

Firstly, gaining experience is vital. Employers often reward more experienced drafters with higher salaries. Working on varied projects allows drafters to develop a broad skill set. Second, acquiring additional certifications can boost earning potential. Certifications in specialized software or design principles can make a resume stand out. Third, focusing on continuous learning helps drafters stay current with industry trends. This can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Fourth, networking with other professionals can uncover hidden job openings. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can help drafters connect with potential employers. Lastly, negotiating salary effectively is important. Researching industry standards and being prepared to discuss value can lead to better offers.

By taking these steps, Design Drafters can improve their earning potential. Understanding these factors and actively working to achieve them can lead to a more rewarding career.

Here are key factors to consider:

  • Gain more experience in the field
  • Obtain additional certifications
  • Focus on continuous learning
  • Network with industry professionals
  • Negotiate salary effectively

Currently 79 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
79 Job Openings