As of May 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a CAD Designer III in the United States is $90,760. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $82,740 to $100,080, with most professionals earning between $75,438 and $108,565.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $100,080 | $8,340 | $1,925 | $48 |
| Average | $90,760 | $7,563 | $1,745 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,740 | $6,895 | $1,591 | $40 |
An entry-level CAD Designer III with less than 1 year of experience earns about $87,169. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $87,767. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $88,964. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $93,542, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $96,046.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CAD Designer III | $87,169 |
| Intermediate Level CAD Designer III | $87,767 |
| Senior Level CAD Designer III | $88,964 |
| Specialist Level CAD Designer III | $93,542 |
| Expert Level CAD Designer III | $96,046 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 3% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 6% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of May 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in CAD Designer III compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $99,234 in 2023 to approximately $98,137 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of CAD Designer III salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of CAD Designer III information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see CAD Designer III job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for CAD Designer III and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $90,760 | 63.6% | ||
| Bonus | $11,370 | 8.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $7,813 | 5.5% | ||
| 401K/403B | $4,289 | 3.0% | ||
| Disability | $2,043 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 5.9% | ||
| Pension | $5,515 | 3.9% | ||
| Time Off | $12,570 | 8.8% | ||
| Total Compensation | $142,712 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| Associates | 100.0% |
What Am I Worth?
Yes, a CAD Designer can work from home, leveraging specialized software like AutoCAD or Revit to create detailed digital models and technical drawings. This role requires translating design concepts into precise representations while adhering to industry standards. With a salary range of $88,970 to $108,620, it offers a rewarding career path for skilled professionals.
Yes, CAD designers typically need a relevant bachelor's degree to pursue a career in this field. While some companies may consider experience and training, having a degree is still important. The salary for CAD designers ranges from approximately $88,970 to $108,620, with a mid-salary of around $98,770, reflecting the value of formal education in this profession.
Yes, you can make money with CAD. Freelance CAD designers and drafters are in high demand, with salaries ranging from $88,970 to $108,620, depending on experience and expertise. This growing field offers substantial opportunities for talented individuals to earn a competitive income while working on diverse projects.
As of now, the salary for a CAD Designer in the United States ranges from $88,970 to $108,620 annually, with a mid-range salary of $98,770. This translates to approximately $42.73 to $52.19 per hour, or $1,711 to $2,086 per week.
The highest salary for a CAD Designer is $108,620 annually. The minimum salary starts at $88,970, while the mid-range salary is $98,770. These figures reflect the competitive compensation for CAD Designers in the industry.
The future of CAD design is promising, driven by advancements in technology. Innovations such as AI-driven design optimization and immersive AR/VR experiences are transforming the field. As demand for skilled CAD designers grows, salaries reflect this trend, with a range from $88,970 to $108,620, highlighting the value of expertise in this evolving industry.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
