Mechanical Drafters Salary in Iowa
The median pay for a mechanical drafters in Iowa is $65,160/year ($31.33/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $97K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $65K get you in Iowa?
About mechanical drafters
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level mechanical drafters (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K. Top earners bring in $97K or more, a $47K spread from bottom to top.
Mechanical Drafters salary by metro in Iowa
3 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $83K | +28% | 40 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $81K | +25% | 140 |
| Cedar Rapids | $67K | +2% | 40 |
Compare to other states
Track mechanical drafters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mechanical drafters make in Iowa?
The median is $65,160 a year, that works out to about $31 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,760, and experienced mechanical drafters can clear $97,130. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,245/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 25.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a mechanical drafters salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median mechanical drafters salary is worth about $73,329 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do mechanical drafters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.