As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Cad Drafter in the United States is $67,025 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Entry Level Cad Drafter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Cad Drafter'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Cad Drafter'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Cad Drafter | $67,487 |
| CAD Draft... Level Entry Level Cad Drafter | $76,836 |
| CAD Draft... Level Entry Level Cad Drafter | $93,031 |
| CAD Draft... Level Entry Level Cad Drafter | $120,228 |
| CAD Draft... Level Entry Level Cad Drafter | $140,867 |
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 Entry Level Cad Drafters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 3.6% |
| Pneumatics | 2.17% |
| CAD Software | 1.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Ethernet
|
$77,079 |
15%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$71,717 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$71,047 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$70,376 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$69,706 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$69,706 |
4%
|
For Entry Level Cad Drafter 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, Entry Level Cad Drafter positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Cad Drafter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $80,430 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $79,090 | $38.0 | 18% |
| Construction | $77,749 | $37.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $76,409 | $37.0 | 14% |
| Healthcare | $75,068 | $36.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Cad Drafters enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Entry Level Cad Drafter with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $60,895 and $64,633).
Entry Level Cad Drafter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 24.3% |
| Associates | 51.7% |
| Bachelors | 21.3% |
| Masters | 1.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Cad Drafter'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, 2026Salaries for an Entry Level Cad Drafter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,034 in 2023 to around $64,689 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Cad Drafter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,034 |
| 2024 | $65,328 |
| 2025 | $64,689 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Cad Drafter roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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