Mechanical Drafters Salary in Virginia
The median pay for a mechanical drafters in Virginia is $64,820/year ($31.17/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $44K at the entry level to $89K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Virginia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $65K get you in Virginia?
About mechanical drafters
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Virginia
Entry-level mechanical drafters (10th percentile) start around $44K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K. Top earners bring in $89K or more, a $45K spread from bottom to top.
Mechanical Drafters salary by metro in Virginia
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $71K | +10% | 70 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $70K | +7% | 160 |
| Roanoke | $65K | -0% | 40 |
| Harrisonburg | $65K | -0% | 30 |
| Lynchburg | $59K | -9% | 30 |
Compare to other states
Track mechanical drafters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Virginia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mechanical drafters make in Virginia?
The median is $64,820 a year, that works out to about $31 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,880, and experienced mechanical drafters can clear $89,010. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,231/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,646/month, which eats 38.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a mechanical drafters salary go in Virginia?
Virginia 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 $68,383 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.