AmericaByNumbers.com

Mechanical Drafters Salary in California

How much does a Mechanical Drafters make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$80,430
Median Annual Salary
$86,550
Mean Salary
$80,430
Median Salary
$38.67
Hourly Rate
3,360 people work as Mechanical Drafters in California

About This Job: Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
3.25
Active Listening
3.25
Mathematics
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.25
Active Learning
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Design
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.73
Mechanical
4.48
Mathematics
4.37
English Language
3.93
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (61.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Mechanical Drafters in California

Salaries for Mechanical Drafters in California range from $52,070 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $125,990 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $64,290 and $101,990.

Median $80,430
P10: $52,070 P25: $64,290 P75: $101,990 P90: $125,990
10th
$52,070
25th
$64,290
Median
$80,430
75th
$101,990
90th
$125,990
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $52,070 $25.03 $4,339
25th Percentile $64,290 $30.91 $5,357
Median (50th) $80,430 $38.67 $6,702
75th Percentile $101,990 $49.03 $8,499
90th Percentile (Experienced) $125,990 $60.57 $10,499

Note: The mean (average) salary of $86,550 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

🚀 What To Do Next

Some links may be affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

What does this salary really buy? See Mechanical Drafters salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Mechanical Drafters Salary by State

Compare Mechanical Drafters pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Mechanical Drafters make in California?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Drafters in California is $80,430 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $86,550.
What is the salary range for a Mechanical Drafters in California?
Salaries for Mechanical Drafters in California range from $52,070 at the 10th percentile to $125,990 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $64,290 and $101,990.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Drafters in California?
Entry-level Mechanical Drafters positions in California typically start around $52,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $64,290 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mechanical Drafters in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 3,360 people are employed as Mechanical Drafters in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Mechanical Drafters in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mechanical Drafters in California is approximately $38.67 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS