How much does a Drafter make?
Drafters use technical drawings to help create products. They earn a good salary as they have valuable skills. Most Drafters make between $41,818 and $76,727 each year. This makes their work very rewarding. A Drafter can expect to make an average yearly salary of $57,048. This is a fair amount for the skills and responsibility that they have.
Drafters with more experience or advanced skills can earn even more. They often get promotions or move into higher-level positions. Here are the salary ranges for different levels of experience:
- $36,000 for entry-level Drafters
- $41,818 to $47,636 for those with 1-3 years of experience
- $47,636 to $53,455 for those with 4-6 years of experience
- $53,455 to $59,273 for those with 7-9 years of experience
- $59,273 to $65,091 for those with 10-12 years of experience
- $65,091 to $70,909 for those with 13-15 years of experience
- $70,909 to $76,727 for those with 16-18 years of experience
- $76,727 to $82,545 for those with 19-21 years of experience
- $82,545 to $88,364 for those with 22-24 years of experience
- $88,364 to $94,182 for those with 25-27 years of experience
- $94,182 to $100,000 for those with 28-30 years of experience
What are the highest paying cities for a Drafter?
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $96,244
In Washington, DC, professionals in design and architecture thrive. Major government projects often need skilled individuals for drafting. Firms like AECOM and URS Corporation offer numerous opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $85,204
San Diego provides a vibrant atmosphere for those in design and drafting. The city's booming construction sector creates demand for skilled drafters. Companies like AECOM and Jacobs Engineering Group are notable employers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $76,123
Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for drafting professionals. The entertainment industry and real estate projects require top-notch design skills. Notable employers include AECOM and AECOM.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $75,241
Seattle's tech-driven growth fosters a demand for skilled drafters. The city's architecture and engineering sectors need professionals for various projects. Companies like AECOM and WSP Group are key players.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $74,416
Sacramento provides a stable environment for drafting jobs. The government and infrastructure sectors create opportunities for skilled professionals. Firms like AECOM and URS Corporation are prominent employers.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $72,133
Baltimore offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for drafters. The city's focus on infrastructure and government projects creates demand. Firms like AECOM and URS Corporation are major employers.
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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $72,099
Syracuse provides a blend of opportunities for drafting professionals. The city's architecture and engineering sectors create a steady demand. Firms like AECOM and URS Corporation are notable employers.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $70,994
Atlanta's growing economy creates numerous opportunities for drafters. The city's focus on infrastructure and real estate projects is a boon for skilled professionals. Companies like AECOM and URS Corporation lead the way.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $69,415
Chicago offers a dynamic environment for design and drafting. The city's architecture and engineering sectors require skilled professionals. Notable employers include AECOM and URS Corporation.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $67,310
Portland provides a unique setting for drafting professionals. The city's focus on sustainable design and architecture creates demand. Firms like AECOM and WSP Group are key players.
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What are the best companies a Drafter can work for?
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Apple
Average Salary: $227,273
Apple offers exciting Drafter positions in various locations like California, Washington, and Massachusetts. As a leading tech company, Apple values precision in design and engineering. Drafters at Apple create detailed technical drawings for hardware projects.
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Colliers Engineering & Design
Average Salary: $84,247
Colliers Engineering & Design provides Drafter jobs in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The company focuses on commercial real estate, so Drafters will work on architectural and engineering designs.
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Pratt & Whitney
Average Salary: $79,450
Pratt & Whitney has Drafter positions in locations such as Connecticut and Florida. They specialize in aerospace engineering. Drafters create blueprints for aircraft engines and components.
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Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Average Salary: $75,816
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. offers Drafter jobs in states like California and Texas. The company works in transportation, infrastructure, and urban planning. Drafters will focus on creating detailed maps and designs.
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Walker Consultants
Average Salary: $68,727
Walker Consultants provides Drafter positions in cities like Denver and Seattle. They focus on civil engineering and land surveying. Drafters at Walker will work on designing roadways, buildings, and landscapes.
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Rise Technical Recruitment Limited
Average Salary: $63,615
Rise Technical Recruitment Limited offers Drafter jobs in the UK. The company helps people find technical jobs. Drafters here create designs for a variety of engineering projects.
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Power Engineers, Inc.
Average Salary: $62,943
Power Engineers, Inc. offers Drafter jobs in locations like Pennsylvania and Ohio. They focus on power generation and energy projects. Drafters will work on designs for power plants and related infrastructure.
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Project Resources Group, Inc.
Average Salary: $62,625
Project Resources Group, Inc. has Drafter positions in cities like Houston and San Francisco. They work in construction and civil engineering. Drafters create plans for building projects.
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Entegee
Average Salary: $62,385
Entegee provides Drafter jobs in places like Virginia and Colorado. They focus on electrical engineering and consulting. Drafters here create detailed electrical plans and designs.
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Electrical Consultants, Inc.
Average Salary: $62,219
Electrical Consultants, Inc. offers Drafter positions in cities like New York and Boston. They specialize in electrical engineering. Drafters will work on creating designs for electrical systems and components.
How to earn more as a Drafter?
Drafters can find several ways to earn more in their profession. Gaining experience and expertise opens up higher-paying opportunities. Drafters who specialize in niche areas, such as mechanical or architectural drafting, often command higher salaries. Mastering advanced software and tools can also improve efficiency and quality, leading to more job offers and better pay.
Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Drafters who attend industry conferences and join professional organizations can learn about new opportunities. Building a strong portfolio and getting positive recommendations from previous employers can also help in earning more. Continuous education and certifications can enhance skills and open the door to higher-paying positions.
Consider these key factors to increase earning potential as a drafter:
- Specialization: Focus on a niche area to stand out in the market.
- Advanced Skills: Learn new software and tools to improve efficiency.
- Networking: Attend industry events and join professional groups.
- Portfolio: Create a strong portfolio to showcase your best work.
- Certification: Get recognized certifications to enhance credibility.
