As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter V in the United States is $138,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Computer Aided Design Drafter V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Computer Aided Design Drafter 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Aided Design Drafter 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Aided Design Drafter III | 4-7 years | $91,216 |
| CAD Designer IV | 7+ years | $117,886 |
| Computer Aided Design Drafter V | 7-10 years | $138,124 |
| Computer Aided Design Supervisor | 10+ years | $93,852 |
| Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor | 10+ years | $112,006 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 1.98% |
| 3D CAD | 1.44% |
| Schematic | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Creativity
|
$161,682 |
17%
|
|
Computer Aided Design
|
$160,300 |
16%
|
|
Commitment
|
$157,537 |
14%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$154,773 |
12%
|
|
Initiative
|
$153,391 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$153,391 |
11%
|
Computer Aided Design Drafter V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,564. While startup companies pay approximate $130,715.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $130,715 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $138,252 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $149,261 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $154,564 |
For Computer Aided Design Drafter 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, Computer Aided Design Drafter positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Aided Design Drafter V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $186,556 | $90.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $172,738 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $172,738 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $165,828 | $80.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $158,918 | $76.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Computer Aided Design Drafter 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 July 01, 2026For a Computer Aided Design Drafter 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.
Salaries for a Computer Aided Design Drafter V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $140,844 in 2023 to around $135,282 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Computer Aided Design Drafter V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $140,844 |
| 2024 | $137,852 |
| 2025 | $135,282 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Aided Design Drafter V roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
CAD designers can earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $131,990, a mid-range salary of $151,590, and a maximum of $169,290 per year. This indicates that CAD designers are well-compensated compared to many other professions, making it a lucrative career choice.
CAD designers focus on conceptualizing and creating detailed designs, while CAD drafters ensure these designs are accurately represented in technical drawings. Understanding the difference between these roles is crucial for project success. CAD drafters typically earn between $131,990 and $169,290, with a median salary of $151,590.
As of now, a Computer Aided Design Drafter in the USA earns between $131,990 and $169,290 annually, with a median salary of $151,590. This reflects a competitive salary range in the industry, highlighting the value of skilled CAD professionals in the workforce.
While a relevant bachelor's degree is important for a career in CAD design, many companies also value experience and training. CAD designers can expect salaries ranging from $131,990 to $169,290, with a median salary of $151,590. This highlights the potential for a rewarding career in the field, regardless of the educational path taken.
A Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter in the USA typically earns between $131,990 and $169,290 annually, with a median salary of around $151,590. This reflects a significant increase compared to the average salary of $52,154 reported for drafters, highlighting the specialized skills and expertise required in this field.
Computer-aided design (CAD) drafters transform engineers' and architects' designs into detailed technical drawings, ensuring accuracy in dimensions, codes, materials, and production methods. This role is crucial in addressing engineering and manufacturing challenges. Salaries for CAD drafters range from $131,990 to $169,290, with a median salary of $151,590.
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