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CAD Drafter Salary in Tennessee

How much does a CAD Drafter make in Tennessee? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Drafter in Tennessee is $87,911 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $102,783
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,534 to $95,696
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,818
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out CAD Drafter Job Openings in Tennessee

Key Factors That Influence CAD Drafter Salaries

A CAD Drafter'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 CAD Drafter Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CAD Drafter'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): $62,596
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $71,268
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $86,290
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $111,511
  • Expert (over 8 years): $130,654
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
CAD Drafter I less than 1 year $62,596
CAD Drafter II 1-2 years $71,268
CAD Drafter 2-4 years $86,290
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $111,511
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $130,654

How Do CAD Drafter 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 CAD Drafters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $104,158.
  • California: $103,763.
  • Massachusetts: $102,380.

Top Paying Cities for CAD Drafter

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:

  • Cornersville: $86,406
  • Lexington: $84,745
  • Iron City: $81,789

CAD Drafter Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CAD Drafter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Transportation and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, CAD Drafter positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAD Drafter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CAD Drafter

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Transportation $114,285 $55.0 30%
Energy & Utilities $96,703 $46.0 10%
Financial Services $96,703 $46.0 10%
Software & Networking $94,944 $46.0 8%
Biotechnology $92,307 $44.0 5%

CAD Drafter Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CAD Drafter'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
$80,534
Average $87,911/year
$95,696
$6,711
Average $7,326/month
$7,975
$1,549
Average $1,691/week
$1,840
$39
Average $42/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $95,696 $7,975 $1,840 $46
Average $87,911 $7,326 $1,691 $42
25th Percentile $80,534 $6,711 $1,549 $39

Find Your Next CAD Drafter Job

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

  • Metromont | HIRAM, GA

    Senior Project Drafter

    Metromont | HIRAM, GA

    Position Title: Senior Project Drafter. Job Description. Would you like to be part of a family who loves to take on exciting challenges. Metromont LLC has ... more

    20 Days Ago

  • ACO, Inc. | MENTOR, OH

    Civil Drafter

    ACO, Inc. | MENTOR, OH

    Civil Drafter I - Position Summary. Provide expert technical design assistance to customers, ensuring optimal solutions and support for their projects. Ess... more

    20 Days Ago

  • C.T. Male Associates | JOHNSTOWN, NY

    CAD Designer II

    C.T. Male Associates | JOHNSTOWN, NY

    Location: Johnstown, NY, US 12095 Latham, NY, US 12110 (Primary). Job Type: Full Time. Job Classification: Hourly. Exemption Type: Non-Exempt. Education: A... more

    20 Days Ago

  • C.T. Male Associates | LATHAM, NY

    CAD Designer III

    C.T. Male Associates | LATHAM, NY

    Location: Latham, NY, US 12110. Job Type: Full Time. Job Classification: Hourly. Exemption Type: Non-Exempt. Education: Associate Degree. Travel: Up to 25%... more

    20 Days Ago

  • 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

    7 Days Ago

  • L3Harris Technologies | ENGLESIDE, VA

    Specialist Design

    L3Harris Technologies | ENGLESIDE, VA

    In a fast moving and increasingly complex world, L3Harris is anticipating and rapidly responding to challenges with agile technology – creating a safer and... more

    8 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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