As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Drafting Engineer in the US is $61,399, equivalent to $30 per hour, $1,181 weekly, or $5,117 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Drafting Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Drafting Engineer in the US vary widely, spanning from $52,388 to $73,466. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($56,683) and 75th percentile ($67,716), while top earners (90th percentile) make $73,466 per year. This $11,033 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Troubleshooting or Installation, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Drafting Engineer often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 62 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.