Mechanical Drafters pay in California
In California, the median pay for mechanical drafters is $39.67 an hour ($82,510 a year). About 3,640 people work in this job there.
That is 15% higher than the U.S. median ($71,550). California ranks 4th of 47 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in California
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $24.14 | $50,200 |
| 25% of workers | $31.68 | $65,900 |
| Half of workers (median) | $39.67 | $82,510 |
| 75% of workers | $49.45 | $102,860 |
| 90% of workers | $61.61 | $128,160 |
Mechanical Drafters pay in California metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $98,310 | 390 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $97,450 | 240 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $83,550 | 370 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $80,780 | 1,480 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $79,180 | 30 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $78,990 | 90 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $77,790 | 180 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $76,520 | 40 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $76,170 | 40 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $75,610 | 350 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $75,560 | 30 |
| Fresno | $69,850 | 70 |
| Modesto | $66,060 | 40 |
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for mechanical drafters
- Typical education to start: Associate's degree (BLS)
- Job outlook: -6% over ten years, declining · about 2,900 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in California
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.