As of July 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CAD Drafter, Entry | 0-2 years | $66,170 |
| Computer Aided Design Drafter II | 2-4 years | $75,336 |
| Computer Aided Design Drafter III | 4-7 years | $91,216 |
| CAD Designer IV | 7+ years | $117,886 |
| CAD Designer V | 7-10 years | $138,124 |
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 Computer Aided Design Drafter 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
|
$79,860 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$78,354 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$78,354 |
4%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$77,600 |
3%
|
|
Software Design
|
$77,600 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$77,600 |
3%
|
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 $84,267. While startup companies pay approximate $71,265.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $71,265 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $75,374 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $81,376 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $84,267 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $101,709 | $49.0 | 35% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $97,942 | $47.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $94,175 | $45.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $90,408 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $90,408 | $43.0 | 20% |
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
| 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 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 July 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for a Computer Aided Design Drafter 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 Computer Aided Design Drafter 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 Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Aided Design Drafter II roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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