As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Cad Designer in the United States is $73,437 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Mechanical Cad Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mechanical Cad Designer'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 a Mechanical Cad Designer'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 Level Mechanical Cad Designer | $72,214 |
| Intermediate Level Mechanical Cad Designer | $72,358 |
| Senior Level Mechanical Cad Designer | $73,077 |
| Specialist Level Mechanical Cad Designer | $74,887 |
| Expert Level Mechanical Cad Designer | $78,002 |
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 Mechanical Cad Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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
|
$77,843 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$76,374 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$76,374 |
4%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$75,640 |
3%
|
|
Software Design
|
$75,640 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$75,640 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Cad Designers 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 a Mechanical Cad Designer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $75,297 and $80,219).
Mechanical Cad Designer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 21.0% |
| Associates | 54.0% |
| Bachelors | 21.9% |
| Masters | 1.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Cad Designer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Mechanical Cad Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,032 in 2023 to around $77,065 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mechanical Cad Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $79,032 |
| 2024 | $78,275 |
| 2025 | $77,065 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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