As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Drafter I in the United States is $66,170 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a CAD Drafter I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CAD Drafter I | 0-2 years | $66,170 |
| CAD Drafter II | 2-4 years | $75,335 |
| CAD Drafter III | 4-7 years | $91,216 |
| CAD Drafter IV | 7+ years | $117,899 |
| CAD Drafter V | 7-10 years | $138,140 |
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 CAD Drafter Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 3.6% |
| Pneumatics | 2.17% |
| CAD Software | 1.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Ethernet
|
$76,096 |
15%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$70,802 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$70,140 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$69,479 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$68,817 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$68,817 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CAD Drafter Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CAD Drafter I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $60,895 and $64,633).
CAD Drafter I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 24.3% |
| Associates | 51.7% |
| Bachelors | 21.3% |
| Masters | 1.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a 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.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026For a CAD Drafter I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAD Drafter II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $75,335 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a CAD Drafter I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,746 in 2023 to around $63,427 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAD Drafter I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,746 |
| 2024 | $64,053 |
| 2025 | $63,427 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for CAD Drafter I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A CAD Drafter I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a CAD Drafter I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CAD Drafter I is $83,460.
The highest pay for CAD Drafter I is $75,864.
The lowest pay for CAD Drafter I is $54,616.
Utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Prepares computer-aided design (CAD) drafts, drawings, and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Maintains deadlines, goals, and production standards set by the department. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. Transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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