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Computer Aided Design Drafter IV Salary in the United States

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV in the United States is $117,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $131,645
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,290 to $125,090
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $99,550
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View as table View as graph 25% $108,290 10% $99,550 90% $131,645 75% $125,090 $117,890 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Computer Aided Design Drafter IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $125,090 $10,424 $2,406 $60
Average $117,890 $9,824 $2,267 $57
25th Percentile $108,290 $9,024 $2,083 $52
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Key Factors That Influence Computer Aided Design Drafter IV Salaries

A Computer Aided Design Drafter IV'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 Computer Aided Design Drafter Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV'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, Experienced (2-4 years): $75,336
  • Computer Aided Design Drafter III (4-7 years): $91,216
  • Computer Aided Design Drafter IV (7+ years): $117,886
  • CAD Designer V (7-10 years): $138,124
  • Computer Aided Design Supervisor (10+ years): $93,852
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
CAD Drafter, Experienced2-4 years$75,336
Computer Aided Design Drafter III4-7 years$91,216
Computer Aided Design Drafter IV7+ years$117,886
CAD Designer V7-10 years$138,124
Computer Aided Design Supervisor10+ years$93,852
$75,336 CAD Draft...
$91,216 Computer ...
$117,886 Computer ...
$138,124 CAD Desig...
$93,852 Computer ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Computer Aided Design Drafter IVs

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: $148,690
  • San Francisco: $147,090
  • Oakland: $143,990

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 1.99% 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.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.19% 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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 1.99%
3D CAD 1.44%
Installation 1.19%
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 IV's salary.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Communication Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Innovation
 $128,500
9%
Communication Skills
 $128,500
9%
Leadership
 $128,500
9%
Land Development
 $127,321
8%
Analysis
 $127,321
8%
CNC
 $127,321
8%
Get Latest Data

Computer Aided Design Drafter IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Aided Design Drafter IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $131,859. While startup companies pay approximate $111,513.

Computer Aided Design Drafter IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$111,513
Growth Stage51~500$117,943
Established501~5000$127,335
Enterprise5000+$131,859

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

For Computer Aided Design Drafter IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Computer Aided Design Drafter positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Aided Design Drafter IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$153,257$74.030%
Internet$147,362$71.025%
Aerospace & Defense$142,647$69.021%
Energy & Utilities$141,468$68.020%
Telecom$139,110$67.018%

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

Understanding how a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$108,290
Average $117,890/year
$125,090
$9,024
Average $9,824/month
$10,424
$2,083
Average $2,267/week
$2,406
$52
Average $57/hour
$60
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,090 $10,424 $2,406 $60
Average $117,890 $9,824 $2,267 $57
25th Percentile $108,290 $9,024 $2,083 $52

Computer Aided Design Drafter IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer Aided Design Drafter IV
CAD Designer V
Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor

For a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAD Designer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $138,200 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Computer Aided Design Drafter IV

Salary Trends for Computer Aided Design Drafter IV

Salaries for a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,375 in 2023 to around $113,710 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Computer Aided Design Drafter IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Computer Aided Design Drafter IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$116,375
2024
$115,153
2025
$113,710
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $116,375
2024 $115,153
2025 $113,710
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Computer Aided Design Drafter IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Computer Aided Design Drafter IV

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

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FAQ about Computer Aided Design Drafter IV

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Aided Design Drafter IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the salary of AutoCAD drafter?

The estimated total pay for a Computer Aided Design Drafter ranges from $115,290 to $142,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $129,690. This translates to approximately $9,607 to $11,874 per month, with an average monthly salary around $10,807.

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

As of now, the salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter in the United States ranges from a minimum of $115,290 to a maximum of $142,490, with a mid-range salary of $129,690. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in the field, highlighting the value of CAD professionals in the industry.

4. Do CAD designers make good money?

Yes, CAD designers can earn a competitive salary. The minimum salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter is approximately $115,290, while the mid-range salary is around $129,690. For those at the top of the field, salaries can reach up to $142,490, making it a lucrative career choice for skilled professionals.

5. What is the basic salary for CAD?

The basic salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter ranges from $115,290 to $142,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $129,690. These figures reflect the typical earnings in the field, providing a clear overview of potential compensation for CAD professionals.

6. 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 $115,290 to $142,490, many find the rewards of the profession, including financial stability, can help mitigate some of that stress.

7. What is the average salary in CAD?

The average salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter in Canada ranges from a minimum of $115,290 to a maximum of $142,490, with a mid-salary of $129,690. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in the field, highlighting the potential for a lucrative career in CAD.

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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