As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Drafter I in District of Columbia is $73,263 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
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 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 | $73,263 |
| CAD Drafter II | 2-4 years | $83,411 |
| CAD Drafter III | 4-7 years | $100,994 |
| CAD Drafter IV | 7+ years | $130,533 |
| CAD Drafter V | 7-10 years | $152,943 |
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:
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 May 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 $83,411 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CAD Drafter I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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