As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Drafter V in the United States is $138,124 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a CAD Drafter V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAD Drafter V'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 V'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 III | 4-7 years | $91,216 |
| CAD Drafter IV | 7+ years | $117,886 |
| CAD Drafter V | 7-10 years | $138,124 |
| CAD Supervisor | 10+ years | $93,852 |
| CAD Senior Supervisor | 10+ years | $112,006 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 1.98% |
| 3D CAD | 1.44% |
| Schematic | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Creativity
|
$161,605 |
17%
|
|
Computer Aided Design
|
$160,224 |
16%
|
|
Commitment
|
$157,461 |
14%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$154,699 |
12%
|
|
Initiative
|
$153,318 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$153,318 |
11%
|
CAD Drafter V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,491. While startup companies pay approximate $130,653.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $130,653 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $138,186 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $149,190 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $154,491 |
For CAD Drafter V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, CAD Drafter positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAD Drafter V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $186,467 | $90.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $172,655 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $172,655 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $165,749 | $80.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $158,843 | $76.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a CAD Drafter V'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 V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the CAD Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,852 - a projected growth of -32% over your current level.
Salaries for a CAD Drafter V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $140,844 in 2023 to around $135,282 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAD Drafter V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $140,844 |
| 2024 | $137,852 |
| 2025 | $135,282 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A CAD Drafter V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a CAD Drafter V is $174,216.
The highest pay for CAD Drafter V is $154,686.
The lowest pay for CAD Drafter V is $121,236.
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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for CAD Drafter V 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.)
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