Position
Salary

How much does a Drafter make?

The average salary for a Drafter is $56,689 per year in the US.

Drafters play a key role in many industries, creating detailed plans and designs. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to bring ideas to life. The average yearly salary for a Drafter is around $56,689. This means that, on average, Drafters earn a solid income.


The salary range for Drafters can vary. Some earn as little as $36,000, while others make over $100,000. Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution:

  • 10% earn less than $41,818
  • 25% earn less than $47,636
  • 50% earn less than $53,455
  • 75% earn less than $59,273
  • 90% earn less than $65,091

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What are the highest paying cities for a Drafter?

Drafters in San Diego, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country, averaging around $85,351 per year. Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer competitive pay for drafters, with average salaries close to $83,000 and $76,000, respectively. Seattle, WA, and Syracuse, NY, provide solid earning potential, with average salaries around $74,000 and $72,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Drafter jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $85,351 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $66,460.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $85,351
    In San Diego, professionals create detailed plans for construction and manufacturing. Companies like Qualcomm and General Dynamics offer many opportunities. The city's strong economy and tech industry make it a great place to work.
    Find Drafter jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $83,229
    In Washington, DC, experts prepare technical drawings for government and private projects. Firms like AECOM and Parsons Corporation provide diverse work. The city's political and economic environment offers unique career opportunities.
    Find Drafter jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $75,866
    In Los Angeles, professionals design blueprints for the entertainment and construction sectors. Companies like Disney and AECOM are prominent employers. The city's vibrant culture and job market make it an exciting place to work.
    Find Drafter jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $74,207
    In Seattle, specialists create detailed plans for tech and construction projects. Companies like Amazon and Boeing offer many opportunities. The city's innovative environment and strong economy attract many professionals.
    Find Drafter jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $72,401
    In Syracuse, professionals develop technical drawings for various industries. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Syracuse University offer diverse roles. The city's educational institutions and manufacturing sector provide a stable job market.
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  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $70,444
    In Santa Rosa, experts prepare detailed plans for construction and agriculture. Companies like Charles Schwab and Sonoma State University offer many opportunities. The city's growing tech scene and natural beauty make it an attractive place to work.
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  7. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $69,571
    In Atlanta, professionals create blueprints for the film and logistics industries. Companies like Coca-Cola and UPS offer many opportunities. The city's booming economy and diverse job market attract many specialists.
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  8. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $69,521
    In Baltimore, experts prepare technical drawings for healthcare and manufacturing. Companies like Johns Hopkins and Under Armour offer diverse roles. The city's rich history and growing tech sector provide a dynamic work environment.
    Find Drafter jobs in Baltimore, MD


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $67,616
    In Sacramento, professionals develop detailed plans for government and infrastructure projects. Companies like State Farm and the State of California offer many opportunities. The city's political environment and job market make it a great place to work.
    Find Drafter jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $66,460
    In Portland, specialists create blueprints for tech and construction projects. Companies like Nike and Intel offer many opportunities. The city's vibrant culture and strong economy attract many professionals.
    Find Drafter jobs in Portland, OR

What are the best companies a Drafter can work for?

Apple offers the highest salary for Drafter jobs, with an average of $227,273. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a lucrative career. Pratt & Whitney also provides a competitive salary of $79,394, making it another excellent option for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Drafter jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $227,273 and Entegee with the lowest at $58,387.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $227,273
    Apple offers exciting Drafter jobs with a focus on innovation and technology. Drafters at Apple work on creating detailed technical drawings for new products. Apple operates in many locations, including Cupertino, California, and other cities around the world.


  2. Pratt & Whitney
    Average Salary: $79,394
    Pratt & Whitney provides Drafter positions with a strong emphasis on aerospace engineering. Drafters here create blueprints for aircraft components. The company operates in several locations, including East Hartford, Connecticut, and other sites across the United States.


  3. Rise Technical Recruitment Limited
    Average Salary: $67,679
    Rise Technical Recruitment Limited offers Drafter jobs with a focus on technical precision. Drafters here work on producing detailed drawings for various engineering projects. The company operates in the United Kingdom, with offices in major cities.


  4. Souder Miller & Associates
    Average Salary: $64,692
    Souder Miller & Associates provides Drafter jobs with a focus on architectural and engineering drawings. Drafters here create plans for buildings and infrastructure. The company operates in several locations, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and other cities.


  5. Electrical Consultants, Inc.
    Average Salary: $63,727
    Electrical Consultants, Inc. offers Drafter jobs with a focus on electrical engineering. Drafters here work on creating detailed electrical schematics and plans. The company operates in several locations, including Houston, Texas, and other sites.


  6. Project Resources Group, Inc
    Average Salary: $61,714
    Project Resources Group, Inc offers Drafter jobs with a focus on project management. Drafters here create detailed plans and drawings for various projects. The company operates in several locations, including Denver, Colorado, and other sites.


  7. Bayland Buildings, Inc.
    Average Salary: $60,888
    Bayland Buildings, Inc. provides Drafter jobs with a focus on construction and architecture. Drafters here create detailed plans for building projects. The company operates in several locations, including San Francisco, California, and other sites.


  8. TechniPower, Inc.
    Average Salary: $60,300
    TechniPower, Inc. offers Drafter jobs with a focus on technical drawings and engineering. Drafters here create detailed plans for various engineering projects. The company operates in several locations, including Seattle, Washington, and other sites.


  9. 1st St. NW Technical Staffing
    Average Salary: $59,235
    1st St. NW Technical Staffing provides Drafter jobs with a focus on technical precision and engineering. Drafters here create detailed plans and drawings for various projects. The company operates in several locations, including Washington, D.C., and other sites.


  10. Entegee
    Average Salary: $58,387
    Entegee offers Drafter jobs with a focus on engineering and technical drawings. Drafters here create detailed plans for various engineering projects. The company operates in several locations, including Austin, Texas, and other sites.

How to earn more as a Drafter?

A Drafter can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Specialization in a particular industry can lead to higher-paying jobs. For example, working in aerospace or construction often pays more than general drafting. Gaining experience with advanced software and tools also enhances a Drafter's value. Certifications in CAD or other specialized software can make a Drafter more attractive to employers.

Networking and building a strong professional reputation can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can lead to new job offers. Taking on leadership roles or projects that require advanced skills can also increase a Drafter's salary. Continuous education and staying updated with the latest industry trends ensure that a Drafter remains competitive in the job market.

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

  1. Specialize in a high-demand industry
  2. Gain certifications in advanced software
  3. Network and build professional relationships
  4. Take on leadership roles and complex projects
  5. Continue education and stay updated with industry trends

Currently 304 Drafter job openings, nationwide.

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

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