As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design Drafter V in Chesapeake, VA is $129,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
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, skills, 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 | $85,786 |
| CAD Designer IV | 7+ years | $110,864 |
| Computer Aided Design Drafter V | 7-10 years | $129,896 |
| Computer Aided Design Supervisor | 10+ years | $88,267 |
| Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor | 10+ years | $105,337 |
What Am I Worth?
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
|
$151,971 |
17%
|
|
Computer Aided Design
|
$150,672 |
16%
|
|
Commitment
|
$148,075 |
14%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$145,477 |
12%
|
|
Initiative
|
$144,178 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$144,178 |
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 $145,404. While startup companies pay approximate $123,009.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $123,009 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $130,096 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $140,414 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $145,404 |
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 | $175,352 | $84.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $162,362 | $78.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $162,362 | $78.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $155,868 | $75.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $149,374 | $72.0 | 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 August 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 $88,300 - a projected growth of -32% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Computer Aided Design Drafter V job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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