As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Engineer in District of Columbia is $72,046 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a CAD Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAD Engineer'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 Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| CAD Engin... Level CAD Engineer | $71,637 |
| CAD Draft... Level CAD Engineer | $81,561 |
| CAD Draft... Level CAD Engineer | $98,752 |
| CAD Draft... Level CAD Engineer | $127,621 |
| CAD Draft... Level CAD Engineer | $149,529 |
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For CAD Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CAD Engineer positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAD Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,455 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $85,014 | $41.0 | 18% |
| Construction | $83,573 | $40.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $82,132 | $39.0 | 14% |
| Healthcare | $80,691 | $39.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a CAD Engineer'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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CAD Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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