As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design Manager in the United States is $127,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Computer Aided Design Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Computer Aided Design Manager'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 Manager'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 Designer V | 7-10 years | $138,145 |
| Computer Aided Design Supervisor | 10+ years | $93,844 |
| Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor | 10+ years | $112,007 |
| Computer Aided Design Manager | 10+ years | $127,280 |
| Computer Aided Design Senior Manager | 10+ years | $155,527 |
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.54% |
| Digital Design | 2.48% |
| System Maintenance | 1.27% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Software Engineering
|
$140,030 |
10%
|
|
Goal Setting
|
$133,665 |
5%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$132,392 |
4%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$132,392 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$131,119 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$131,119 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Computer Aided Design Manager'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 March 01, 2026For a Computer Aided Design Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Aided Design Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $155,600 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Computer Aided Design Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $129,933 in 2023 to around $129,752 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Computer Aided Design Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $129,933 |
| 2024 | $131,015 |
| 2025 | $129,752 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The basic salary for a Computer Aided Design Manager ranges from $122,500 to $159,800 annually, with a mid-salary of $138,600. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, ensuring they are rewarded for their expertise and contributions to design projects.
CAD managers oversee the work of CAD drafters, ensuring that every drawing is legible, professional, and adheres to project standards. They typically earn a salary ranging from $122,500 to $159,800, with a mid-range salary of $138,600, reflecting their expertise and the importance of their role in the design process.
CCM certification is highly valued by employers, with 58% covering the exam costs and 44% requiring the credential. This recognition can lead to significant salary benefits, as Computer Aided Design Managers earn between $122,500 and $159,800 annually. Investing in CCM certification can enhance your career prospects and financial growth in this field.
One of the highest paid design jobs is that of a Computer Aided Design Manager, with a salary range from $122,500 to $159,800. The average salary for this role is approximately $138,600. This position is highly sought after in various industries, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in design management.
The highest salary for a Computer Aided Design Manager is $159,800 per year. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $122,500, with a mid-level salary of $138,600. This reflects the competitive nature of the role within the industry.
An efficient, effective, scalable care management program can drive financial success under both fee-for-service and value-based payment models, achieving a 40% profit margin. For a Computer Aided Design Manager, with salaries ranging from $122,500 to $159,800, this profitability can significantly impact overall financial health and resource allocation.
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.)
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