Mechanical Drafters Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for mechanical drafters in the United States was $71,550 ($34.40 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $48,360 | $23.25 |
| 25th | $58,080 | $27.93 |
| Median | $71,550 | $34.40 |
| 75th | $86,120 | $41.41 |
| 90th | $106,580 | $51.24 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 17-3013
- Total U.S. employment: 39,960
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
A closer look
The median wage in this area is 0.0% below the national median — a difference of about $0 per year for a typical worker.
At $34.40 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $71,552 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $71,550.
Mechanical Drafters Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $53,600 | $25.77 | -25.1% | 440 |
| Alaska | — | — | — | 50 |
| Arizona | $67,410 | $32.41 | -5.8% | 630 |
| Arkansas | $59,960 | $28.83 | -16.2% | 250 |
| California | $82,510 | $39.67 | +15.3% | 3,640 |
| Colorado | $85,280 | $41.00 | +19.2% | 580 |
| Connecticut | $68,830 | $33.09 | -3.8% | 450 |
| Delaware | $57,110 | $27.46 | -20.2% | 160 |
| Florida | $68,050 | $32.72 | -4.9% | 1,540 |
| Georgia | $66,670 | $32.06 | -6.8% | 820 |
| Idaho | $59,050 | $28.39 | -17.5% | 330 |
| Illinois | $63,320 | $30.44 | -11.5% | 450 |
| Indiana | $62,820 | $30.20 | -12.2% | 1,300 |
| Iowa | $63,330 | $30.45 | -11.5% | 630 |
| Kansas | $65,250 | $31.37 | -8.8% | 540 |
| Kentucky | $68,880 | $33.12 | -3.7% | 510 |
| Louisiana | $77,730 | $37.37 | +8.6% | 420 |
| Maine | $76,360 | $36.71 | +6.7% | 620 |
| Maryland | $76,740 | $36.89 | +7.3% | 360 |
| Massachusetts | $75,490 | $36.29 | +5.5% | 620 |
| Michigan | $72,280 | $34.75 | +1.0% | 2,030 |
| Minnesota | $73,090 | $35.14 | +2.2% | 1,220 |
| Mississippi | $60,460 | $29.07 | -15.5% | 260 |
| Missouri | $66,350 | $31.90 | -7.3% | 870 |
| Nebraska | $61,170 | $29.41 | -14.5% | 530 |
| Nevada | $75,830 | $36.46 | +6.0% | 250 |
| New Hampshire | $55,390 | $26.63 | -22.6% | 0 |
| New Jersey | $83,380 | $40.09 | +16.5% | 690 |
| New Mexico | $89,940 | $43.24 | +25.7% | 90 |
| New York | $76,490 | $36.78 | +6.9% | 1,940 |
| North Carolina | $59,050 | $28.39 | -17.5% | 1,350 |
| North Dakota | $77,570 | $37.29 | +8.4% | 100 |
| Ohio | $70,580 | $33.93 | -1.4% | 1,790 |
| Oklahoma | $63,440 | $30.50 | -11.3% | 650 |
| Oregon | $74,000 | $35.58 | +3.4% | 410 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,480 | $30.52 | -11.3% | 2,330 |
| Rhode Island | $69,290 | $33.31 | -3.2% | 100 |
| South Carolina | $63,740 | $30.64 | -10.9% | 640 |
| South Dakota | $52,610 | $25.29 | -26.5% | 100 |
| Tennessee | $63,390 | $30.48 | -11.4% | 740 |
| Texas | $79,380 | $38.16 | +10.9% | 4,630 |
| Utah | $70,000 | $33.65 | -2.2% | 490 |
| Vermont | $73,040 | $35.12 | +2.1% | 70 |
| Virginia | $69,630 | $33.48 | -2.7% | 630 |
| Washington | $76,820 | $36.93 | +7.4% | 1,690 |
| West Virginia | $65,100 | $31.30 | -9.0% | 140 |
| Wisconsin | $63,770 | $30.66 | -10.9% | 1,630 |
| Wyoming | $61,070 | $29.36 | -14.6% | 60 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents — $78,660/yr
- Insurance Sales Agents — $62,280/yr
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education — $38,140/yr
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators — $59,850/yr
- Dishwashers — $34,810/yr
- Pharmacy Technicians — $45,750/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for mechanical drafters?
The median annual wage for mechanical drafters is $71,550 ($34.40 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays mechanical drafters the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many mechanical drafters are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 39,960 mechanical drafters employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do mechanical drafters make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $34.40. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.