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CAD Drafter II Salary in the United States

How much does a CAD Drafter II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Drafter II in the United States is $75,337 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,718
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,493 to $86,005
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,083
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CAD Drafter II Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects CAD Drafter II Salaries?

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:

  • CAD Drafter I (0-2 years): $66,170
  • CAD Drafter II (2-4 years): $75,337
  • CAD Drafter III (4-7 years): $91,216
  • CAD Drafter IV (7+ years): $117,877
  • CAD Drafter V (7-10 years): $138,113
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
CAD Drafter I0-2 years$66,170
CAD Drafter II2-4 years$75,337
CAD Drafter III4-7 years$91,216
CAD Drafter IV7+ years$117,877
CAD Drafter V7-10 years$138,113
View as Graph

How Do CAD Drafter II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $83,413.
  • California: $83,097.
  • Massachusetts: $81,989.

Top Paying Cities for CAD Drafter IIs

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:

  • San Jose: $95,023
  • San Francisco: $93,982
  • Oakland: $92,002

What Skills Can Increase a CAD Drafter II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 1.96% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • 3D CAD (Mentioned in 1.49% Job Postings): CAD is short for Computer-aided design. It's the use of computers to aid in the creation and optimization of a design. Designs made through 3D CAD software focus on the three dimensional quality of design of characters and objects.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.17% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 1.96%
3D CAD 1.49%
Installation 1.17%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a CAD Drafter II's salary.

  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis $79,857
6%
Collaboration $78,350
4%
Presentation $78,350
4%
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CAD Drafter II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $84,192. While startup companies pay approximate $71,218.

CAD Drafter II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $71,218
Growth Stage 51~500 $75,320
Established 501~5000 $81,298
Enterprise 5000+ $84,192

CAD Drafter II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a CAD Drafter II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$101,705$49.035%
Aerospace & Defense$97,938$47.030%
Financial Services$94,171$45.025%
Construction$90,404$43.020%
Internet$90,404$43.020%

How Education impacts a CAD Drafter II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CAD Drafter II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an CAD Drafter II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $76,057 and $80,964.

CAD Drafter II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for CAD Drafter II
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%
View as Graph

CAD Drafter II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$70,493
Average $75,337/year
$86,005
$5,874
Average $6,278/month
$7,167
$1,356
Average $1,449/week
$1,654
$34
Average $36/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,005 $7,167 $1,654 $41
Average $75,337 $6,278 $1,449 $36
25th Percentile $70,493 $5,874 $1,356 $34

CAD Drafter II Salary Growth & Career Path

CAD Drafter II

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Advancement

For 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.

Most common benefits for CAD Drafter II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for CAD Drafter II

Here are companies hiring for CAD Drafter II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about CAD Drafter II

1. Where can a CAD Drafter II earn the most?

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 $95,023.

2. What is the highest pay for CAD Drafter II?

The highest pay for CAD Drafter II is $95,718.

3. What is the lowest pay for CAD Drafter II?

The lowest pay for CAD Drafter II is $66,083.

4. What are the responsibilities of CAD Drafter II?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for CAD Drafter II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for CAD Drafter II roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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