Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

CAD Designer V Salary in the United States

How much does a CAD Designer V make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Designer V in the United States is $138,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $154,630
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $129,300 to $146,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $121,197
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CAD Designer V Salaries

A CAD Designer V'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 Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CAD Designer V'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:

  • Computer Aided Design Drafter III (4-7 years): $91,216
  • CAD Designer IV (7+ years): $117,877
  • CAD Designer V (7-10 years): $138,113
  • Computer Aided Design Supervisor (10+ years): $93,856
  • Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor (10+ years): $112,005
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Computer Aided Design Drafter III4-7 years$91,216
CAD Designer IV7+ years$117,877
CAD Designer V7-10 years$138,113
Computer Aided Design Supervisor10+ years$93,856
Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor10+ years$112,005
View as Graph

How Do CAD Designer V 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 Designer Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $153,000.
  • California: $152,400.
  • Massachusetts: $150,400.

Top Paying Cities for CAD Designer Vs

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:

  • San Jose: $174,300
  • San Francisco: $172,300
  • Oakland: $168,700

What Skills Can Increase a CAD Designer V's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 1.98% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • 3D CAD (Mentioned in 1.44% Job Postings): CAD is short for Computer-aided design. It's the use of computers to aid in the creation and optimization of a design. Designs made through 3D CAD software focus on the three dimensional quality of design of characters and objects.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 1.18% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 1.98%
3D CAD 1.44%
Schematic 1.18%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a CAD Designer V's salary.

  • Creativity: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Computer Aided Design: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Creativity $161,694
17%
Computer Aided Design $160,312
16%
Commitment $157,548
14%
Get Latest Data

CAD Designer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

CAD Designer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,444. While startup companies pay approximate $130,644.

CAD Designer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $130,644
Growth Stage 51~500 $138,169
Established 501~5000 $149,136
Enterprise 5000+ $154,444

CAD Designer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CAD Designer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, CAD Designer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAD Designer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CAD Designer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$186,570$90.035%
Internet$172,750$83.025%
Software & Networking$172,750$83.025%
Financial Services$165,840$80.020%
Biotechnology$158,930$76.015%

CAD Designer V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CAD Designer V'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 September 01, 2026
$129,300
Average $138,200/year
$146,800
$10,775
Average $11,517/month
$12,233
$2,487
Average $2,658/week
$2,823
$62
Average $66/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,800 $12,233 $2,823 $71
Average $138,200 $11,517 $2,658 $66
25th Percentile $129,300 $10,775 $2,487 $62

CAD Designer V Salary Growth & Career Path

CAD Designer V

Next Role

Advancement

For a CAD Designer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Aided Design Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,900 - a projected growth of -32% over your current level.

Most common benefits for CAD Designer V

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for CAD Designer V

Here are companies hiring for CAD Designer V and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next CAD Designer V Job

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

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about CAD Designer V

1. What industry pays the highest salary for CAD Designer V?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for CAD Designer V roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. Do CAD designers need a degree?

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 a salary range from $132,000 to $169,300, with a median salary of $151,600. This reflects the importance of education in securing competitive compensation in the field.

3. How much does a CAD specialist make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a CAD Designer in the US ranges from a minimum of $132,000 to a maximum of $169,300 annually, with a mid-range salary of $151,600. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in the field, significantly higher than the average pay for CAD specialists.

4. How much can you earn as a CAD Designer?

As a CAD Designer, you can expect to earn between CAD 132,000 and CAD 169,300, with a mid-salary of CAD 151,600. This role often includes opportunities for training, progression, overtime, and various company benefits. If you have CAD experience, this could be a great opportunity for you.

5. How much does a CAD designer V make a year?

In California, the average yearly salary for a CAD Designer V is approximately $169,300. In Massachusetts, the average annual salary is around $151,600, while in New Jersey, a CAD Designer V earns about $132,000 per year. The salary range for this position typically spans from $132,000 to $169,300, depending on experience and location.

6. How much do CAD designers make in the US?

CAD designers in the US can expect a salary range based on the following data: the minimum salary is $132,000, the mid-range salary is $151,600, and the maximum salary can reach $169,300. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to the previously mentioned figures.

7. Is CAD hard to learn?

At first glance, learning AutoCAD may seem daunting due to its complex tools and commands. However, both experts and average users agree that anyone can master it with time and practice. Additionally, CAD Designers can expect a salary range from $132,000 to $169,300, making it a rewarding career choice for those who invest the effort to learn.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job