As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an AutoCAD Engineer in Goleta, CA is $144,844 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.
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, skills 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 | $95,217 |
| CAD Draft... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $123,047 |
| AutoCAD E... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $144,171 |
| CAD Super... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $97,973 |
| CAD Senio... Level AutoCAD Engineer | $116,918 |
What Am I Worth?
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
|
$169,468 |
17%
|
|
Computer Aided Design
|
$168,019 |
16%
|
|
Commitment
|
$165,123 |
14%
|
|
3D CAD
|
$162,226 |
12%
|
|
Initiative
|
$160,777 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$160,777 |
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 | $195,540 | $94.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $181,055 | $87.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $181,055 | $87.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $173,813 | $84.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $166,571 | $80.0 | 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 September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current AutoCAD Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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