How much does a drafter make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical drafter in the United States makes $63,520 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a computer, a drafter turns an engineer’s rough sketch into a precise CAD drawing, adding measurements and materials. They check details with engineers or architects, revise the plan, and sometimes visit a jobsite.
Did you know? A drafter’s digital drawing can go into building-information software, where a 3-D model lets teams see how parts work together.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $43,420 and $99,380How do you become one?
After high school in the U.S., take a drafting program at a community college or technical school; an associate degree usually takes about two years, while certificates may be shorter. A license isn’t needed; certification is optional.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, CAD skills, optional certification, specialty, location, and the type of employer or industry. Harder, more responsible tasks may pay more, and some drafters work more than 40 hours a week.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($73,390), lowest in Oregon ($58,790).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a drafter averages $31,390. Drafter salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $43,420 | $63,520 | $99,380 | about 14,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,390 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $72,800 | about 520 |
| New York | $72,190 | about 610 |
| Louisiana | $68,470 | about 1,000 |
| Georgia | $62,400 | about 550 |
Official definition: All drafters not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/print/drafters.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY