Mechanical Drafter Salary in Idaho: $70,500 Average

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Data current as of August 2026 · sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET

Average base salary, Idaho

$70,500 / year

≈ $5,900 per month · $33.89 per hour

LocationOr metro areaOr industry (Grahall)Or city (Grahall)

BLS May 2025 state data for Idaho · median $61,000

25th percentile
$50,500Average
$70,50075th percentile
$89,500

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.

Mechanical Drafter salary by state

Alabama$63,500

Arizona$74,500

Arkansas$66,500

California$90,000

Colorado$96,500

Connecticut$73,500

Delaware$64,000

Florida$72,500

Georgia$76,500

Idaho$70,500

Illinois$74,000

Indiana$67,500

Iowa$69,000

Kansas$73,500

Kentucky$72,500

Louisiana$89,500

Maine$71,000

Maryland$84,000

Massachusetts$82,000

Michigan$78,500

Minnesota$76,500

Mississippi$68,500

Missouri$76,500

Nebraska$66,500

Nevada$81,000

New Hampshire$63,500

New Jersey$89,500

New Mexico$102,000

New York$82,000

North Carolina$64,000

North Dakota$80,500

Ohio$74,000

Oklahoma$68,500

Oregon$83,500

Pennsylvania$72,500

Rhode Island$73,500

South Carolina$74,500

South Dakota$58,000

Tennessee$70,500

Texas$83,500

Utah$75,500

Vermont$79,000

Virginia$74,000

Washington$90,000

West Virginia$73,000

Wisconsin$70,500

Wyoming$67,500

About this role

Mechanical Drafter is a professional role within the function in the Architecture and Engineering job family.

Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.

What Mechanical Drafters do

Typical education: Associate's Degree

Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.

Top skills: Reading Comprehension Mathematics Critical Thinking Active Listening Active Learning Speaking

Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).

Mechanical Drafter pay by experience level

Entry level$50,000

Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)

Early career$60,000

A few years in (about the 25th percentile)

Experienced$74,000

Mid-career median pay

Senior$89,000

Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)

Top earners$110,500

Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)

Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.

Job outlook

-6.5%

projected change in jobs, 2024–2034

3,300

projected openings per year

Declining

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.

Mechanical Drafter salary by industry

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

9,130 workers

$84,500

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services

7,040 workers

$84,500

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

6,540 workers

$70,000

Machinery Manufacturing

6,010 workers

$71,000

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3323 and 3324 only)

4,490 workers

$69,500

Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only)

4,260 workers

$72,500

Specialty Trade Contractors

3,300 workers

$87,500

Building Equipment Contractors

3,060 workers

$88,500

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

2,960 workers

$89,000

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

1,850 workers

$72,000

National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.

How this role compares

Mechanical Drafter pays 28% below the average across 59 roles in the Architecture and Engineering job family (family average $108,000).

Similar-paying roles in Architecture and Engineering

Calibration Technologists and Technicians$77,000

Automotive Engineering Technician$79,000

Architectural and Civil Drafters$73,000

Geodetic Surveyor$83,500

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$84,000

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$71,500

Drafters, All Other$70,500

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$67,000

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$89,500

Landscape Architect$92,000

Careers related to Mechanical Drafter

Electrical and Electronics Drafters$84,000

Architectural and Civil Drafters$73,000

Automotive Engineering Technician$79,000

Commercial and Industrial Designers$96,500

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic$69,000

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic$71,000

Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Mechanical Drafter make?

The average base salary for a Mechanical Drafter in the United States is $77,500 per year, or about $37.26 per hour.

What is the typical salary range?

Pay typically falls between $60,000 and $89,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.

How does this compare with other Architecture and Engineering roles?

The Architecture and Engineering job family averages $108,000 across 59 roles tracked by WePayFairly.

Need a defensible market price for this role?
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