Estimate · based on BLS national data

Mechanical Drafters in District of Columbia

$114,091 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$54.85 per hour

▲ 52.0% above U.S. average2nd of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$114,091per year
Median$108,756per year
Hourly$54.85per hour
10th – 90th percentile$77,932 – $149,042per year

Mechanical Drafters Pay Range in District of Columbia

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$77,932
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$95,631
  • 50th Percentile — Median$108,756
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$135,454
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$149,042

Half of Mechanical Drafters in District of Columbia earn more than $108,756. The top 10% make $149,042 or more, while entry-level workers start around $77,932.

Mechanical Drafters in District of Columbia: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • District of Columbia ranks 2nd of 51 states for Mechanical Drafters pay, at $114,091 per year (52.0% above the U.S. average of $75,060).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $77,932; the top 10% earn over $149,042.
  • Hourly equivalent: $54.85 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $116,343.
  • Among engineering jobs in District of Columbia, Petroleum Engineers pays the most ($238,868).

Mechanical Drafters Job Market in District of Columbia

Key factors affecting compensation

District of Columbia's key industries are Government, Finance, Technology, and its job market is rated very strong. Mechanical Drafters here earn $114,091 on average, placing the state 2nd nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 1.52 (U.S. = 1.00), a District of Columbia salary of $114,091 is roughly equivalent to $75,060 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Hawaii ($116,343), Alaska ($99,079), New Mexico ($98,460) are the closest alternatives for Mechanical Drafters weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Mechanical Drafters salary in District of Columbia?

The average Mechanical Drafters salary in District of Columbia is $114,091 per year (median $108,756), which is 52.0% above the national average of $75,060.

How does District of Columbia rank for Mechanical Drafters pay?

District of Columbia ranks 2nd out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($116,343/yr).

How much do entry-level Mechanical Drafters make in District of Columbia?

The lowest-paid 10% of Mechanical Drafters in District of Columbia earn about $77,932 per year and the 25th percentile is $95,631.

How much do Mechanical Drafters make per hour in District of Columbia?

About $54.85 per hour, based on the $114,091 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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