Mechanical Drafters Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a mechanical drafters in U.S. is $68,510/year ($32.94/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $108K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $69K get you in U.S.?
About mechanical drafters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level mechanical drafters (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $69K.Top earners bring in $108K or more - a $61K spread from bottom to top.
Mechanical Drafters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $85K | +24% | 120 |
| Vermont | $82K | +19% | 60 |
| California | $80K | +17% | 3,360 |
| Arizona | $80K | +17% | 720 |
| Nevada | $80K | +16% | 240 |
| Oregon | $80K | +16% | 470 |
| New Jersey | $79K | +16% | 780 |
| Maryland | $77K | +13% | 390 |
| Texas | $77K | +12% | 3,460 |
| Rhode Island | $76K | +12% | 90 |
| Louisiana | $75K | +10% | 370 |
| Washington | $75K | +10% | 1,600 |
| Michigan | $74K | +9% | 1,720 |
| Kansas | $74K | +8% | 460 |
| Minnesota | $73K | +7% | 1,450 |
Track mechanical drafters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Engineering
Frequently asked questions
How much do mechanical drafters make in U.S.?
The median is $68,510 a year - that works out to about $32.94 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,500, and experienced mechanical drafters can clear $107,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $69K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,715/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 29.9% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $68,510 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.