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Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I in District of Columbia is $73,302 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, a Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,001
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,602 to $78,902
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,502
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View as table View as graph 25% $66,602 10% $60,502 90% $84,001 75% $78,902 $73,302 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $78,902 $6,575 $1,517 $38
Average $73,302 $6,109 $1,410 $35
25th Percentile $66,602 $5,550 $1,281 $32
Check out Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Job Openings in District of Columbia
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Drafter II

Marvin - SIOUX FALLS, SD

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Key Factors That Influence Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salaries

A Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I'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(CAD) Drafter Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I'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(CAD) Drafter I (0-2 years): $73,263
  • CAD Drafter, Experienced (2-4 years): $83,413
  • Computer Aided Design Drafter III (4-7 years): $100,994
  • CAD Designer IV (7+ years): $130,519
  • CAD Designer V (7-10 years): $152,924
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I0-2 years$73,263
CAD Drafter, Experienced2-4 years$83,413
Computer Aided Design Drafter III4-7 years$100,994
CAD Designer IV7+ years$130,519
CAD Designer V7-10 years$152,924
$73,263 Computer ...
$83,413 CAD Draft...
$100,994 Computer ...
$130,519 CAD Desig...
$152,924 CAD Desig...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter Is

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $72,902
  • Washington: $72,902
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $72,902

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,057. While startup companies pay approximate $69,419.

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$69,419
Growth Stage51~500$73,418
Established501~5000$79,241
Enterprise5000+$82,057

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$87,962$42.020%
Business Services$86,496$42.018%
Construction$85,030$41.016%
Energy & Utilities$83,564$40.014%
Healthcare$82,098$39.012%

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$66,602
Average $73,302/year
$78,902
$5,550
Average $6,109/month
$6,575
$1,281
Average $1,410/week
$1,517
$32
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,902 $6,575 $1,517 $38
Average $73,302 $6,109 $1,410 $35
25th Percentile $66,602 $5,550 $1,281 $32

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I
CAD Drafter, Experienced
Design/Drafting Senior Supervisor

For a Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAD Drafter, Experienced role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $83,500 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I

Find Your Next Computer Aided Design(CAD) Drafter I Job

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

United States

  • Marvin

    BISMARCK, ND

    Drafter II

    Marvin | BISMARCK, ND

    Marvin is seeking a Drafter II to create precise drawings and models for premium windows, doors, and skylights used in residential and commercial projects.... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Marvin

    FARGO, ND

    Drafter II

    Marvin | FARGO, ND

    Marvin is seeking a Drafter II to create precise drawings and models for premium windows, doors, and skylights used in residential and commercial projects.... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Marvin

    OMAHA, NE

    Drafter II

    Marvin | OMAHA, NE

    Marvin is seeking a Drafter II to create precise drawings and models for premium windows, doors, and skylights used in residential and commercial projects.... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Marvin

    SOUTH DES MOINES, IA

    Drafter II

    Marvin | SOUTH DES MOINES, IA

    Marvin is seeking a Drafter II to create precise drawings and models for premium windows, doors, and skylights used in residential and commercial projects.... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Marvin

    BLACKHAWK VILLAGE, IA

    Drafter II

    Marvin | BLACKHAWK VILLAGE, IA

    Marvin is seeking a Drafter II to create precise drawings and models for premium windows, doors, and skylights used in residential and commercial projects.... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Marvin

    BETTENDORF, IA

    Drafter II

    Marvin | BETTENDORF, IA

    Marvin is seeking a Drafter II to create precise drawings and models for premium windows, doors, and skylights used in residential and commercial projects.... more

    5 Days Ago

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

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