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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Architectural CAD Designer in California is $76,372 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Architectural CAD Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Architectural CAD Designer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $83,665 | $6,972 | $1,609 | $40 |
| Average | $76,372 | $6,364 | $1,469 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,304 | $5,775 | $1,333 | $33 |
City Design Studio LLC - Los Angeles, CA
JRP Design & Remodel - Westlake Village, CA
POLYTECH ASSOCIATES INC - San Francisco, CA
snipebridge - Los Angeles, CA
An Architectural 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Architectural CAD Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Architectural CAD Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Architectural CAD Designer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Architectural CAD Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $99,284 | $48.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $95,465 | $46.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $91,646 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $91,646 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $84,009 | $40.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Architectural 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $83,665 | $6,972 | $1,609 | $40 |
| Average | $76,372 | $6,364 | $1,469 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,304 | $5,775 | $1,333 | $33 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Architectural CAD Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Harley Ellis Devereaux
San Francisco, CA
Harley Ellis Devereaux | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About HED. We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncomp... more
7 Days Ago
snipebridge
San Francisco, CA
snipebridge | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Snipebridge, a strategic talent solutions company specializing in connecting exceptional talent to great career opportuni... more
7 Days Ago
Harley Ellis Devereaux
Los Angeles, CA
Harley Ellis Devereaux | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About HED. We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncomp... more
7 Days Ago
Harley Ellis Devereaux
Orange, CA
Harley Ellis Devereaux | Orange, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About HED. We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncomp... more
7 Days Ago
CE2 Corporation
Berkeley, CA
CE2 Corporation | Berkeley, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. FT Contractor. Berkeley, CA -onsite. Pay Rate: $73 per hour. Target start 8/17/26 – 1 year contract. Develop... more
3 Days Ago
COMPA Industries
Berkeley, CA
COMPA Industries | Berkeley, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Electrical CAD Designer. Location. Berkeley, California (On-site). Pay Rate. $50/hr - $55/hr. Contract. 1-year base with ... more
3 Days Ago
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