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Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer Aided Design Drafter II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter II in the United States is $75,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a Computer Aided Design Drafter II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,724
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,500 to $86,010
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,093
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salaries

A Computer Aided Design Drafter 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.

How Experience Level Affects Computer Aided Design Drafter Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Aided Design Drafter 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:

  • CAD Drafter, Entry (0-2 years): $66,170
  • Computer Aided Design Drafter II (2-4 years): $75,337
  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
CAD Drafter, Entry0-2 years$66,170
Computer Aided Design Drafter II2-4 years$75,337
Computer Aided Design Drafter III4-7 years$91,216
CAD Designer IV7+ years$117,877
CAD Designer V7-10 years$138,113
View as Graph

How Do Computer Aided Design Drafter II 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 Computer Aided Design Drafter IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,420.
  • California: $83,100.
  • Massachusetts: $81,990.

Top Paying Cities for Computer Aided Design Drafter IIs

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: $95,030
  • San Francisco: $93,990
  • Oakland: $92,010

What Skills Can Increase a Computer Aided Design Drafter II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 1.96% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • 3D CAD (Mentioned in 1.49% 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.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.17% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 1.96%
3D CAD 1.49%
Installation 1.17%
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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 Computer Aided Design Drafter II's salary.

  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis $79,860
6%
Collaboration $78,354
4%
Presentation $78,354
4%
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Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Aided Design Drafter II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,196. While startup companies pay approximate $71,221.

Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $71,221
Growth Stage 51~500 $75,323
Established 501~5000 $81,302
Enterprise 5000+ $84,196

Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Aided Design Drafter II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Computer Aided Design Drafter positions in Media or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Aided Design Drafter II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Aided Design Drafter II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$101,709$49.035%
Aerospace & Defense$97,942$47.030%
Financial Services$94,175$45.025%
Construction$90,408$43.020%
Internet$90,408$43.020%

How Education impacts a Computer Aided Design Drafter II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Aided Design Drafter 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 Computer Aided Design Drafter II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $74,918 and $79,812).

Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Computer Aided Design Drafter II
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%
View as Graph

Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Aided Design Drafter 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 September 01, 2026
$70,500
Average $75,340/year
$86,010
$5,875
Average $6,278/month
$7,168
$1,356
Average $1,449/week
$1,654
$34
Average $36/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,010 $7,168 $1,654 $41
Average $75,340 $6,278 $1,449 $36
25th Percentile $70,500 $5,875 $1,356 $34

Computer Aided Design Drafter II Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer Aided Design Drafter II

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Advancement

For a Computer Aided Design Drafter 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.

Most common benefits for Computer Aided Design Drafter II

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

Common company salaries for Computer Aided Design Drafter II

Here are companies hiring for Computer Aided Design Drafter II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer Aided Design Drafter II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Aided Design Drafter II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Aided Design Drafter II roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. How much does a CAD drafter earn in USA?

The salary for a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter in the USA ranges from a minimum of $71,540 to a maximum of $90,150, with a median salary of $80,090. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the skills required for the role.

3. What is a CAD drafter 2?

A CAD Drafter II is an advanced position in the Computer Aided Drafting Technician series, handling complex CAD assignments and coordinating large projects. The salary for this role typically ranges from $71,540 to $90,150, with a mid-point salary of $80,090, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in the position.

4. Can CAD drafters work from home?

Many remote CAD drafters begin their careers in-house before transitioning to remote roles. While certification isn't mandatory, obtaining it can enhance your competitiveness. CAD drafters earn between $71,540 and $90,150, with a median salary of $80,090, making it a viable career option for those seeking flexibility.

5. What is the average salary of AutoCAD drafter in USA?

The average salary of a Computer Aided Design Drafter in the USA ranges from $71,540 to $90,150, with a mid-salary of $80,090. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to previous data, indicating a growing demand for skilled drafters in the industry.

6. Is AutoCAD still in demand?

AutoCAD remains relevant, with a projected job growth decline of 2% from 2022 to 2032. Despite this, opportunities persist for Computer Aided Design Drafters, who can expect salaries ranging from $71,540 to $90,150, with a median salary of $80,090. Staying updated with industry trends can enhance job prospects.

7. Is CAD drafting a stressful job?

CAD drafting can be a stressful job, as drafters often face tight deadlines, complex project requirements, and the necessity for precision. However, with a competitive salary range from $71,540 to $90,150, many find the rewards of the profession, including financial stability, can help mitigate some of that stress.

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.

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