As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Drafter II in the United States is $75,336 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a CAD Drafter II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAD Drafter II'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 II'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 | $75,336 |
| CAD Drafter III | 4-7 years | $91,216 |
| CAD Drafter IV | 7+ years | $117,886 |
| CAD Drafter V | 7-10 years | $138,124 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 1.96% |
| 3D CAD | 1.49% |
| Installation | 1.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$79,856 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$78,349 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$78,349 |
4%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$77,596 |
3%
|
|
Software Design
|
$77,596 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$77,596 |
3%
|
CAD Drafter II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,263. While startup companies pay approximate $71,261.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $71,261 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $75,370 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $81,372 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $84,263 |
For CAD Drafter II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, CAD Drafter positions in Media or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAD Drafter II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $101,704 | $49.0 | 35% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $97,937 | $47.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $94,170 | $45.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $90,403 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $90,403 | $43.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CAD Drafter IIs 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 II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $75,297 and $80,219).
CAD Drafter II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 21.0% |
| Associates | 54.0% |
| Bachelors | 21.9% |
| Masters | 1.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a CAD Drafter II'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, 2026For a CAD Drafter II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAD Drafter III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $91,216 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a CAD Drafter II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,678 in 2023 to around $78,670 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAD Drafter II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $80,678 |
| 2024 | $79,905 |
| 2025 | $78,670 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A CAD Drafter II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CAD Drafter II is $95,021.
The highest pay for CAD Drafter II is $95,711.
The lowest pay for CAD Drafter II is $66,080.
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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for CAD Drafter II roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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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