As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drafting Projects Manager in the United States is $127,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Drafting Projects Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Smart Recruiting
A Drafting Projects 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 Drafting Projects 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Drafting Projects Manager | $122,999 |
| Intermediate Level Drafting Projects Manager | $123,514 |
| Senior Level Drafting Projects Manager | $125,230 |
| Specialist Level Drafting Projects Manager | $127,290 |
| Expert Level Drafting Projects Manager | $130,309 |
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 Drafting Projects 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
|
$140,019 |
10%
|
|
Goal Setting
|
$133,655 |
5%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$132,382 |
4%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$132,382 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$131,109 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$131,109 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Drafting Projects 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 January 01, 2026For a Drafting Projects 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 Drafting Projects 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 Drafting Projects Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $129,933 |
| 2024 | $131,015 |
| 2025 | $129,752 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Drafting Projects Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Drafting Projects Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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.
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.
While a specific degree isn't mandatory to become a project manager, most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The salary for a Drafting Projects Manager typically ranges from $122,490 to $159,790, with a midpoint around $138,590, reflecting the value of relevant qualifications and experience.
Project managers typically earn between $122,490 and $159,790, depending on experience and project complexity. While salaries can vary, reaching $300,000 is uncommon for this role. Competitive packages may include benefits, especially for those managing large-scale projects, but the upper range is generally below that threshold.
A CAD Manager typically earns between $122,490 and $159,790 annually, with a mid-salary of around $138,590. While some cities like Berkeley and San Francisco offer competitive salaries, CAD Managers can expect to earn significantly more based on their experience and location.
Project Managers typically earn between $122,490 and $159,790 annually, with a mid-salary of $138,590. While some high-level positions may approach $200,000, the majority of Project Managers earn below that threshold.
Yes, project managers can earn a competitive salary. For a Drafting Projects Manager, the salary ranges from a minimum of $122,490 to a mid-level of $138,590, reaching up to a maximum of $159,790. Certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) can further enhance earning potential, making the role financially rewarding.
A CAD drafter in the USA typically earns between $122,490 and $159,790 annually, with a mid-salary of around $138,590. This reflects a significant increase compared to the average salary of $52,154 for drafters, highlighting the higher earning potential for specialized roles like Drafting Projects Manager.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
