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Computer Aided Design Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design Manager in the United States is $127,400 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $149,561
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $115,600 to $139,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $104,857
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Computer Aided Design Manager Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Computer Aided Design Manager Salaries?

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:

  • CAD Designer V (7-10 years): $138,113
  • Computer Aided Design Supervisor (10+ years): $93,856
  • Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor (10+ years): $112,005
  • Computer Aided Design Manager (10+ years): $127,327
  • Computer Aided Design Senior Manager (10+ years): $155,538
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
CAD Designer V7-10 years$138,113
Computer Aided Design Supervisor10+ years$93,856
Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor10+ years$112,005
Computer Aided Design Manager10+ years$127,327
Computer Aided Design Senior Manager10+ years$155,538
View as Graph

How Do Computer Aided Design Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $141,000.
  • California: $140,500.
  • Massachusetts: $138,600.

Top Paying Cities for Computer Aided Design Managers

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: $160,600
  • San Francisco: $158,900
  • Oakland: $155,500

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 3.54% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Digital Design (Mentioned in 2.48% Job Postings): Ability to use tools and software to create and present information or a product through a digital interface.
  • System Maintenance (Mentioned in 1.27% Job Postings): Modifying a system to correct faults and errors to a changed requirements.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 3.54%
Digital Design 2.48%
System Maintenance 1.27%
See More Skills

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 Manager's salary.

  • Software Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Goal Setting: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Software Engineering $140,140
10%
Goal Setting $133,770
5%
Scheduling $132,496
4%
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Computer Aided Design Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Aided Design Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $142,375. While startup companies pay approximate $120,435.

Computer Aided Design Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $120,435
Growth Stage 51~500 $127,372
Established 501~5000 $137,481
Enterprise 5000+ $142,375

Computer Aided Design Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Aided Design Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Computer Aided Design Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Aided Design Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Aided Design Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$178,360$86.040%
Pharmaceuticals$171,990$83.035%
Biotechnology$165,620$80.030%
Software & Networking$165,620$80.030%
Energy & Utilities$146,510$70.015%

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

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 September 01, 2026
$115,600
Average $127,400/year
$139,000
$9,633
Average $10,617/month
$11,583
$2,223
Average $2,450/week
$2,673
$56
Average $61/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,000 $11,583 $2,673 $67
Average $127,400 $10,617 $2,450 $61
25th Percentile $115,600 $9,633 $2,223 $56

Computer Aided Design Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer Aided Design Manager

Next Role

For 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.

Most common benefits for Computer Aided Design Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Computer Aided Design Manager

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

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FAQ about Computer Aided Design Manager

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Aided Design Manager roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What is the basic salary for CAD?

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.

3. What is the role of a CAD manager?

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.

4. Is CCM certification worth it?

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.

5. What is the highest paid design job?

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.

6. What is the highest salary for a design manager?

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.

7. Is CCM profitable?

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.

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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