As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an AutoCAD Engineer in the United States is $136,231 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, an AutoCAD Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An AutoCAD Engineer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an AutoCAD Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| CAD Draft... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $89,547 |
| CAD Draft... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $115,729 |
| AutoCAD E... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $135,596 |
| CAD Super... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $92,135 |
| CAD Senio... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $109,956 |
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 AutoCAD Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 1.98% |
| 3D CAD | 1.44% |
| Schematic | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Creativity
|
$159,390 |
17%
|
|
Computer Aided Design
|
$158,028 |
16%
|
|
Commitment
|
$155,303 |
14%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$152,579 |
12%
|
|
Initiative
|
$151,216 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$151,216 |
11%
|
For AutoCAD Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, AutoCAD Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view AutoCAD Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $183,912 | $88.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $170,289 | $82.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $170,289 | $82.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $163,477 | $79.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $156,666 | $75.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an AutoCAD Engineer'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an AutoCAD Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $138,266 in 2023 to around $132,807 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of AutoCAD Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $138,266 |
| 2024 | $135,330 |
| 2025 | $132,807 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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