As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Drafter II in Applegate, CA is $78,887 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
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, skills, 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 | $69,289 |
| CAD Drafter II | 2-4 years | $78,887 |
| CAD Drafter III | 4-7 years | $95,515 |
| CAD Drafter IV | 7+ years | $123,442 |
| CAD Drafter V | 7-10 years | $144,634 |
What Am I Worth?
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
|
$83,620 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$82,042 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$82,042 |
4%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$81,253 |
3%
|
|
Software Design
|
$81,253 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$81,253 |
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 $88,234. While startup companies pay approximate $74,620.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $74,620 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $78,922 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,207 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,234 |
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 | $106,497 | $51.0 | 35% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $102,553 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $98,608 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $94,664 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $94,664 | $46.0 | 20% |
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 $95,515 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CAD Drafter II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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