How much does a Drafter make in the United States?
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The average Drafter salary in the United States is $117,295 as of May 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Drafter positions (listed below) typically falls between $49,307 and $185,282. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Drafter's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| CAD Drafter II | $83,683 | $40.23 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| CAD Drafter III | $102,373 | $49.22 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| CAD Drafter IV | $132,199 | $63.56 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| CAD Drafter V | $169,906 | $81.69 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| CAD Drafter I | $69,326 | $33.33 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| MEP Mechanical Designer I | $57,842 | $27.81 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| MEP Mechanical Designer II | $70,251 | $33.77 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| MEP Mechanical Designer III | $83,696 | $40.24 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
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Utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Prepares computer-aided design (CAD) drafts, drawings, and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Maintains deadlines, goals, and production standards set by the department. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. Transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View CAD Drafter II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:CAD Designer II, CAD Drafter, Experienced, Computer Aided Design Drafter II, CAD Drafter II
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Utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Prepares computer-aided design (CAD) drafts, drawings, and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Maintains deadlines, goals, and production standards set by the department. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. Transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View CAD Drafter III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:CAD Designer III, CAD Drafter, Senior, Computer Aided Design Drafter III, CAD Drafter III
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Utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Prepares computer-aided design (CAD) drafts, drawings, and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Maintains deadlines, goals, and production standards set by the department. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. Transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View CAD Drafter IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:CAD Designer IV, CAD Drafter, Specialist, Computer Aided Design Drafter IV, CAD Drafter IV
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Utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Prepares computer-aided design (CAD) drafts, drawings, and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Maintains deadlines, goals, and production standards set by the department. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. Transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View CAD Drafter V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:CAD Designer V, CAD Drafter, Expert, Computer Aided Design Drafter V, CAD Drafter V
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Utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Prepares computer-aided design (CAD) drafts, drawings, and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Maintains deadlines, goals, and production standards set by the department. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. Transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View CAD Drafter I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Auto CAD Designer I, CAD Designer I, CAD Drafter, Entry, Computer Aided Design Drafter I, Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I, CAD Drafter I
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Designs and creates layouts and documentation for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other mechanical building systems that meet project and technical specifications. Uses computer-aided design (CAD) and other specialized software tools to generate detailed layout plans, schematics, and drawings for mechanical systems. Maintains accurate and complete change and version control on all design files, documents, and drawings. Incorporates best practices to address design space constraints and ensure compliance with industry standards, safety requirements, and building codes. Collaborates with engineers and other project members. May conduct or participate in site visits to inspect installations or troubleshoot problems. May require an associate degree in mechanical design, drafting or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience. View MEP Mechanical Designer I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:MEP Design Technician I, MEP Mechanical Drafter I, MEP Mechanical Designer I
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Designs and creates layouts and documentation for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other mechanical building systems that meet project and technical specifications. Uses computer-aided design (CAD) and other specialized software tools to generate detailed layout plans, schematics, and drawings for mechanical systems. Maintains accurate and complete change and version control on all design files, documents, and drawings. Incorporates best practices to address design space constraints and ensure compliance with industry standards, safety requirements, and building codes. Collaborates with engineers and other project members. May conduct or participate in site visits to inspect installations or troubleshoot problems. May require an associate degree in mechanical design, drafting or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. View MEP Mechanical Designer II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:MEP Design Technician II, MEP Mechanical Drafter II, MEP Mechanical Designer II
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Designs and creates layouts and documentation for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other mechanical building systems that meet project and technical specifications. Uses computer-aided design (CAD) and other specialized software tools to generate detailed layout plans, schematics, and drawings for mechanical systems. Maintains accurate and complete change and version control on all design files, documents, and drawings. Incorporates best practices to address design space constraints and ensure compliance with industry standards, safety requirements, and building codes. Collaborates with engineers and other project members. May conduct or participate in site visits to inspect installations or troubleshoot problems. May require an associate degree in mechanical design, drafting or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience. View MEP Mechanical Designer III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:MEP Design Technician III, MEP Mechanical Drafter III, MEP Mechanical Designer III