📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mechanical Drafters Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$94,686
per year
Median
$90,695
per year
Hourly
$45.52
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$62,641
25th Percentile — Junior$79,133
50th Percentile — Median$90,695
75th Percentile — Senior$116,240
90th Percentile — Top Earners$129,700
💡 Top-earning Mechanical Drafterss in California make up to $129,700 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$80.9k
2021
$83.5k
2022
$86.1k
2023
$88.9k
2024
$91.8k
2025
$94.7k
2026
📈 Mechanical Drafters salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mechanical Drafters Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $146,763 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $140,135 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $162,860 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $175,169 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $102,261 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $115,517 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $137,295 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $102,261 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $134,454 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $132,560 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $121,198 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $111,729 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $146,763 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $111,729 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $106,048 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $115,517 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $108,889 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $140,135 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $151,498 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Mechanical Drafters Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Mechanical Drafterss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $94,686 per year, California's Mechanical Drafters salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $62,641–$79,133, while experienced Mechanical Drafterss can command $116,240–$129,700.

Looking ahead, the Mechanical Drafters profession in California is projected to grow at 3.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Mechanical Drafters salary in California is $94,686 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $66,680.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Mechanical Drafterss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Mechanical Drafters employment.
  • At $94,686/year, California Mechanical Drafters salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $66,680/year.