upper level job

Computer Aided Design Technician III Salary in the United States

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design Technician III in the United States is $70,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,033
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,000 to $81,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,173
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered Talent
View as table View as graph 25% $64,000 10% $58,173 90% $91,033 75% $81,200 $70,400 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Computer Aided Design Technician III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $81,200 $6,767 $1,562 $39
Average $70,400 $5,867 $1,354 $34
25th Percentile $64,000 $5,333 $1,231 $31
Check out Computer Aided Design Technician III Job Openings in the United States
Adjunct Faculty

Terra State Community College - Fremont, OH

BIM Revit Specialist

FCA - PHILADELPHIA, PA

Sonographer Level III

University of Vermont Health - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital - PLATTSBURGH, NY

Structural Design Engineer

phoenixtank.com - DANVILLE, IN

Search More Computer Aided Design Technician III Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Computer Aided Design Technician III Salaries

A Computer Aided Design Technician III'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 Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Aided Design Technician III'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:

  • Computer Aided Design Technician I (0-1 years): $52,682
  • Computer Aided Design Technician II (1-3 years): $57,988
  • Computer Aided Design Technician III (3-5 years): $70,305
  • Computer Aided Design Technician IV (5-7 years): $77,839
  • Computer Aided Design Supervisor (7+ years): $93,852
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Computer Aided Design Technician I0-1 years$52,682
Computer Aided Design Technician II1-3 years$57,988
Computer Aided Design Technician III3-5 years$70,305
Computer Aided Design Technician IV5-7 years$77,839
Computer Aided Design Supervisor7+ years$93,852
$52,682 Computer ...
$57,988 Computer ...
$70,305 Computer ...
$77,839 Computer ...
$93,852 Computer ...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Computer Aided Design Technician IIIs

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: $88,700
  • San Francisco: $87,800
  • Oakland: $85,900

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Communication Skills (Mentioned in 4.55% Job Postings): Communication skills are your ability to share or understand information, ideas, and feelings successfully.
  • Computer Aided Design (Mentioned in 9.09% Job Postings): CAD (computer-aided design) is the use of computer-based software to aid in design processes. CAD software is frequently used by different types of engineers and designers.
  • Civil Engineering (Mentioned in 4.55% Job Postings): Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways. Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it is defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Civil engineering takes place in the public sector from municipal through to national governments, and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Communication Skills 4.55%
Computer Aided Design 9.09%
Civil Engineering 4.55%
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 Technician III's salary.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Illustrator: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Photoshop: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Adobe Creative Suite
$83,776
19%
Illustrator
$80,256
14%
Photoshop
$79,552
13%
Application Design
$74,624
6%
Project Design
$73,216
4%
Consulting
$72,512
3%
Get Latest Data

Computer Aided Design Technician III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Aided Design Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $78,742. While startup companies pay approximate $66,592.

Computer Aided Design Technician III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$66,592
Growth Stage51~500$70,432
Established501~5000$76,040
Enterprise5000+$78,742

Computer Aided Design Technician III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Aided Design Technician III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Retail & Wholesale and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Computer Aided Design Technician positions in Software & Networking or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Aided Design Technician III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Aided Design Technician III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale$112,640$54.060%
Construction$105,600$51.050%
Energy & Utilities$98,560$47.040%
Insurance$95,040$46.035%
Aerospace & Defense$91,520$44.030%

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

Understanding how a Computer Aided Design Technician III'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, 2026

Computer Aided Design Technician III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Computer Aided Design Technician III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Aided Design Technician IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $77,900 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Computer Aided Design Technician III

Salaries for a Computer Aided Design Technician III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $60,744 in 2023 to around $59,648 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Computer Aided Design Technician III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Computer Aided Design Technician III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$60,744
2024
$60,563
2025
$59,648
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $60,744
2024 $60,563
2025 $59,648
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Computer Aided Design Technician III

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

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for Computer Aided Design Technician III

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

Find Your Next Computer Aided Design Technician III Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Computer Aided Design Technician III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about Computer Aided Design Technician III

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

The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Aided Design Technician III roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.

2. Is CAD high paying?

CAD technicians can expect a competitive salary, with a minimum of $67,900, a mid-range of $76,600, and a maximum of $85,500 annually. This indicates that CAD roles offer a solid income, making it a lucrative career choice in the design and engineering fields.

3. Can CAD technicians work from home?

Yes, CAD technicians can work from home, typically 1 or 2 days per week. This flexibility allows them to manage their tasks effectively while enjoying a work-life balance. The salary for CAD technicians ranges from $67,900 to $85,500, with a mid-range salary of $76,600, reflecting their skills and contributions to projects.

4. Do CAD designers make good money?

Yes, CAD designers can make good money. The salary range for a Computer Aided Design Technician typically starts at $67,900, with a mid-range salary of $76,600 and a maximum salary of $85,500. This indicates a competitive earning potential in the field, especially compared to the lower percentiles mentioned.

5. How much do CAD operators make in the US?

CAD operators in the US typically earn between $67,900 and $85,500 annually. The average salary for a Computer Aided Design Technician is approximately $76,600 per year, reflecting a competitive compensation range in the industry.

6. Does a CAD technician need a degree?

A CAD technician does not necessarily need a college degree. Essential skills can be acquired through specialized software training, apprenticeships, or self-learning. The salary for a CAD technician typically ranges from $67,900 to $85,500, with a median salary of $76,600, reflecting the value of practical experience and skills in the field.

7. Is CAD a stressful job?

Working as a Computer Aided Design Technician can be stressful, especially when facing tight deadlines. The role demands focus and precision, which can lead to exhaustion if self-care is neglected. With salaries ranging from $67,900 to $85,500, it's essential to manage stress effectively to maintain health and productivity in this challenging field.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job