Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Mechanical Drafters Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Mechanical Drafters make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$82,510
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.6% vs 2024
$86,750
Mean Salary
$82,510
Median Salary
$39.67
Hourly Rate
3,640 people work as Mechanical Drafters in California
Mechanical Drafters salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Mechanical Drafters in California earn a median salary of $82,510 per year ($6,875/month).
This is 20.1% above the national average of $68,696.
California ranks #4 out of 47 states for Mechanical Drafters pay.
Approximately 3,640 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.6% compared to 2024.
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)
Salaries for Mechanical Drafters in California range from $50,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $128,160 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $65,900 and $102,860.
How much do Mechanical Drafters make in California?
The median annual salary for Mechanical Drafters in California is $82,510 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $86,750.
What is the salary range for a Mechanical Drafters in California?
Salaries for Mechanical Drafters in California range from $50,200 at the 10th percentile to $128,160 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $65,900 and $102,860.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Drafters in California?
Entry-level Mechanical Drafters positions in California typically start around $50,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $65,900 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mechanical Drafters in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,640 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 $39.67 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.