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3D CAD Modeler Salary in California

How much does a 3D CAD Modeler make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D CAD Modeler in California is $75,907 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a 3D CAD Modeler's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,634
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,628 to $82,045
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,912
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3D CAD Modeler Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 3D CAD Modeler Salaries

A 3D CAD Modeler's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 3D CAD Modeler Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D CAD Modeler's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $74,628
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $84,966
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $102,875
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $132,944
  • Expert (over 8 years): $155,766
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
3D CAD Modeler less than 1 year $74,628
CAD Drafter II 1-2 years $84,966
CAD Drafter III 2-4 years $102,875
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $132,944
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $155,766

How Do 3D CAD Modeler Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 3D CAD Modelers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $76,196.
  • California: $75,907.
  • Massachusetts: $74,895.

Top Paying Cities for 3D CAD Modeler

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $76,037
  • West Hollywood: $75,982
  • Dodgertown: $76,037

3D CAD Modeler Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3D CAD Modeler roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 3D CAD Modeler positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D CAD Modeler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D CAD Modeler

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $91,088 $44.0 20%
Business Services $89,570 $43.0 18%
Construction $88,052 $42.0 16%
Energy & Utilities $86,534 $42.0 14%
Healthcare $85,015 $41.0 12%

3D CAD Modeler Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3D CAD Modeler's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$69,628
Average $75,907/year
$82,045
$5,802
Average $6,326/month
$6,837
$1,339
Average $1,460/week
$1,578
$33
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $82,045 $6,837 $1,578 $39
Average $75,907 $6,326 $1,460 $36
25th Percentile $69,628 $5,802 $1,339 $33

Find Your Next 3D CAD Modeler Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3D CAD Modeler job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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    ABM Industries seeks a BIM Modeler to develop and manage detailed 3D building models that support safe, efficient, and well-maintained facilities. You’ll c... more

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  • Bell Cabinetry | BUFORD, GA

    CAD Drafter

    Bell Cabinetry | BUFORD, GA

    Bell Cabinetry is seeking a CAD Drafter to produce precise cabinetry drawings and layouts for high-end residential and light commercial projects. In this r... more

    9 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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