As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Designer II in the United States is $75,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a CAD Designer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAD Designer II'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CAD Designer II'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CAD Drafter, Entry | 0-2 years | $66,170 |
| CAD Designer II | 2-4 years | $75,335 |
| Computer Aided Design Drafter III | 4-7 years | $91,216 |
| CAD Designer IV | 7+ years | $117,895 |
| CAD Designer V | 7-10 years | $138,135 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Designer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 1.96% |
| 3D CAD | 1.49% |
| Installation | 1.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$79,913 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$78,406 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$78,406 |
4%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$77,652 |
3%
|
|
Software Design
|
$77,652 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$77,652 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CAD Designer IIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CAD Designer II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $74,953 and $79,836).
CAD Designer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 21.0% |
| Associates | 54.0% |
| Bachelors | 21.9% |
| Masters | 1.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a CAD Designer II'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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a CAD Designer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Aided Design Drafter III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $91,300 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a CAD Designer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,678 in 2023 to around $78,670 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAD Designer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $80,678 |
| 2024 | $79,905 |
| 2025 | $78,670 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The hourly rate for CAD designers varies based on experience. For entry-level designers, rates typically range from $34.50 to $48.50, while intermediate designers can charge between $48.50 and $60.50. Experienced designers may command higher fees, reflecting their skills and efficiency. Overall, CAD designers earn between $71,590 and $90,190 annually.
A CAD Technician II is responsible for major Computer Aided Drafting/Design (CAD/D) projects that involve complex technical design work. They may also perform specialized functions and hold program responsibilities in their area of expertise. The salary for this position typically ranges from $71,590 to $90,190, with a mid-point of $80,090.
A relevant bachelor's degree is essential for a career in CAD design, although some companies may prioritize experience and training. CAD designers can expect salaries ranging from $71,590 to $90,190, with a median salary of $80,090, reflecting the importance of education in this field.
POSITION SUMMARY In this role, the CAD Designer II will be responsible for creating and revising specific engineering projects. This includes engineering legacy drawing/model conversions, redlines, and as-builts, which may require shop measurement take-offs. The salary for this position ranges from $71,590 to $90,190, with a midpoint of $80,090.
The estimated total pay for a CAD Designer ranges from CAD 71,590 to CAD 90,190 annually, with a median salary of CAD 80,090. These figures reflect the midpoint of the salary range based on collected data, providing a clear overview of potential earnings in this role.
The highest paid CAD jobs typically include roles such as Civil Engineer, Architect, and Mechanical Engineer. CAD Designers can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $71,590 to a mid-range of $80,090, with top earners making up to $90,190. These positions require specialized skills and experience in design and engineering fields.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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