As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAD Modeler in the United States is $106,187 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a CAD Modeler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAD Modeler'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 a CAD Modeler'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 CAD Modeler | $102,676 |
| Intermediate Level CAD Modeler | $102,948 |
| Senior Level CAD Modeler | $106,187 |
| Specialist Level CAD Modeler | $109,098 |
| Expert Level CAD Modeler | $109,306 |
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 CAD Modelers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.69% |
| ERwin | 2.56% |
| Oracle | 1.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Networking
|
$118,929 |
12%
|
|
Data Structure
|
$113,620 |
7%
|
|
Agile
|
$111,496 |
5%
|
|
Data Warehousing
|
$111,496 |
5%
|
|
Data Integrity
|
$111,496 |
5%
|
|
Data Science
|
$110,434 |
4%
|
For CAD Modeler 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 Software & Networking and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, CAD Modeler positions in Media or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CAD Modeler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $143,352 | $69.0 | 35% |
| Construction | $127,424 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $122,115 | $59.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $122,115 | $59.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $116,806 | $56.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a CAD Modeler'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a CAD Modeler can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,439 in 2023 to around $101,314 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAD Modeler salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,439 |
| 2024 | $102,782 |
| 2025 | $101,314 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for CAD Modeler roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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