How Much Does a Lead Drafter make?

Lead Drafter made a median salary around $162,180 in January, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $181,308 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $141,885. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $141,885 10% $123,408 90% $198,723 75% $181,308 $162,180 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Lead Drafter

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Lead Drafter profession are Hopkins , Mendota , Minneapolis , Minnetonka , Saint Paul .
Hopkins, MN $162,180
Mendota, MN $162,180
Minneapolis, MN $162,180
Minnetonka, MN $162,180
Saint Paul, MN $162,180

Best-Paying States for Lead Drafter

The states and districts that pay Lead Drafter the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $170,129) , California (around $168,600) , New Jersey (around $167,530) , Alaska (around $166,460) , and Massachusetts (around $166,307) .
District of Columbia $170,129
California $168,600
New Jersey $167,530
Alaska $166,460
Massachusetts $166,307

What is the Career Path of Lead Drafter?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Lead Drafter, the upper level is CAD Supervisor , and then progresses to CAD Senior Supervisor
Besides, Lead Drafter can also turn to other related jobs, including CAD Drafter, Specialist , CAD Drafter IV , Drafter and Computer Aided Design Drafter IV .

Frequently Asked Questions for Lead Drafter

Q: What is the salary range of Lead Drafter in Minneapolis, MN?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Lead Drafter in Minneapolis, MN earned an average annual salary of $141,885 , while the highest-paid made $181,308.
Q: What is the salary for a Lead Drafter in California?
A: Lead Drafter employed in California earned an average salary of $168,600 in 2025.

Average Lead Drafter Pay vs. Other Jobs

Lead Drafter earned an average salary of $162,180 in 2025. Other jobs related to Lead Drafter earned the following average salary in January, 2025. CAD Drafter, Specialist made $137,620 , CAD Drafter IV made $137,611 , Drafter and Computer Aided Design Drafter IV made $85,765 and $137,690 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Lead Drafter

CAD Drafter, Specialist - Average Salary $137,620
The CAD Drafter, Specialist utilizes computer aided drafting software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Provides computer aided design (CAD) drafting, prepares drawings and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Being a CAD Drafter, Specialist transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. In addition, CAD Drafter, Specialist reviews engineering drawings and designs to ensure adherence to established specifications and standards. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a CAD Drafter, Specialist work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Working as a CAD Drafter, Specialist typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
CAD Drafter IV - Average Salary $137,611
CAD Drafter IV 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. Being a CAD Drafter IV maintains deadlines, goals, and production standards set by the department. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. Additionally, CAD Drafter IV 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. The CAD Drafter IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a CAD Drafter IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Drafter - Average Salary $85,765
There is currently no job description for Drafter, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Drafter.
Computer Aided Design Drafter IV - Average Salary $137,690
The Computer Aided Design Drafter IV utilizes computer aided drafting software and other techniques, standards, and tools to prepare technical drawings. Provides computer aided design (CAD) drafting, prepares drawings and schematics derived from a variety of specifications, layouts, blueprints, and sketches. Being a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV transforms initial rough product designs into working documents using CAD software. Coordinates and consults with engineers or designers to complete projects. In addition, Computer Aided Design Drafter IV reviews engineering drawings and designs to ensure adherence to established specifications and standards. Collaborates with design originators to resolve discrepancies between original drawings and final CAD designs. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Working as a Computer Aided Design Drafter IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Pipe Drafter - Average Salary $112,582
There is currently no job description for Pipe Drafter, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Pipe Drafter.