Computer Aided Design, or CAD, is an integral part of almost every industry you can think of, including (but not limited to) architecture, engineering and design. It’s also an indispensable part of our future, which is why companies and businesses across the world are opening their doors to CAD experts every day. From electrical engineers to architects to interior designers, there are countless freelance CAD jobs and AutoCAD careers out there. The question is, however: which are the highest paid jobs in CAD? 

Scan2CAD’s latest article gives you a list of the top 10 highest paid jobs in CAD—complete with average salaries, necessary qualifications. and job outlooks. 

The salaries for CAD jobs can vary depending on which field you work in, e.g., engineering, designing or drafting. These salaries can also fluctuate depending on how much experience you’ve had, what additional qualifications you have and even where your job is located. We look at these aspects in much more depth in our handy article on CAD salaries. 

We’ve provided median salaries for each of the top jobs available in CAD, which will vary depending on the factors mentioned above. To give you a better look at how much these salaries can vary, however, we’ve also included percentile wages. 

Without further ado, here are the top 10 highest paid jobs in CAD…

Top 10 Highest Paying CAD Jobs in 2022

1. Electrical and Electronics Engineers ($107,890)

Electrical and electronics engineers work on designing and developing the manufacturing of electrical equipment like communications systems. Throughout the work process, they need to stick to industry standards and safety regulations. CAD can play a strong role in the work of electrical engineers—giving them the ability to generate electrical and electronic diagrams quickly and efficiently. 

According to the latest statistics from BLS, the top-paying industry for electrical engineers is research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, with median annual wages of $125,080. Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing comes in second with median annual wages of $107,190. 

The highest paying industry for electronics engineers is navigation, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing, with median annual wages of $128,560. Second placed semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing has annual median wages of $128,330.

California tops the list of the states with the highest wages for both electrical engineers and electronics engineers. Here, the former group earns $126,640 on average, while the latter takes home $130,330.

Percentile wages for Electrical Engineers

Source: BLS

Percentile wages for Electronics Engineers

Source: BLS

2. Mechanical Engineer ($97,000)

Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, engines and machines—essentially, most mechanical devices. To ensure the safety and efficiency of each product designed, mechanical engineers are also responsible for testing prototypes—analyzing aspects like stress. They also oversee the installation and operation of equipment like centralized heating, for example.

Mechanical engineers in the scientific research and development services industry have a better chance of a higher pay, with a median annual wage of $102,050. As for the top paying state for this occupation, California is top of the list with an annual mean wage of $113,130.

Percentile wages for mechanical engineers

Source: BLS

3. Civil Engineer ($95,490)

Civil engineers plan, design and oversee the construction of building structures and facilities—including roads, channels, pipelines and sewage systems. Projects range from small-scale repairs to large-scale structures like airports. Using CAD software, civil engineers can create and redesign structures over and over until they get the perfect output.

The industry with the highest published wages for civil engineers is listed as federal government, excluding postal services according to the BLS—offering median annual wages of $100,730. As with electrical engineers and mechanical, California is the top paying state for civil engineers, with an annual mean wage of $109,890. 

Percentile wages for civil engineers

Source: BLS

4. Industrial Engineer ($95,200)

At the forefront of the work of industrial engineers is the search for eliminating wastefulness in all production processes. They work on increasing efficiency in workplaces and logistics by improving worker training, maintenance and production coordination. Industrial engineers are also responsible for determining the quality and reliability of products—making use of CAD’s FEA capabilities.

BLS states that the top paying industry for industrial engineers is computer and electronic product manufacturing, offering a median annual wage of $99,340. And the top paying state for industrial engineers? California comes out on top with an annual mean wage of $108,330.

Percentile wages for industrial engineers

Source: BLS

5. Architect ($91,900)

Architects are responsible for planning and designing structures that can range from residences to offices to large-scale factories. Detail is key with architects—dimensions and materials have to be specified to the ultimate level of precision. CAD software plays a large role in architecture—to get a better look, you might want to check out how the architectural industry uses CAD. 

According to the latest stats released by the BLS, the top paying industry for architects is government—the median annual wage for which comes out at $99,330. As for the top paying state for this occupation, New York heads the list with an annual mean wage of $103,340.

Percentile wages for architects

Source: BLS

6. Industrial Designer ($79,680)

Industrial engineers develop and design manufactured products. The beauty of this job is that industrial engineers can be involved in anything from cars to children’s toys—it’s just that versatile. Of course, not only do these products need to be functional, they also need to be aesthetically pleasing and in line with production cost budgets.

If you’re looking for the industry that pays the most for industrial designers, architectural, engineering, and related services come out on top with a median annual wage of $81,230. As for the top paying state, California reigns supreme, offering a mean annual wage of $93,170.

Percentile wages for industrial designers

Source: BLS

7. Electrical and Electronics Drafter ($67,090)

Electrical drafters prepare a variety of diagrams for electrical engineers, ranging from wiring to circuit board assembly. The diagrams they design will eventually be used for the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment and wiring systems for power plants, factories and much more.

Electrical drafters looking to join the fold of the highest paying industries should set their sights on architectural, engineering, and related services—coming out with a median annual wage of $60,460. Wondering which state comes out on top for paying the most? New York is top of the board, with a mean annual wage of $78,230.

Percentile wages for electrical and electronics drafters

Source: BLS

8. Mechanical Drafter ($62,650)

Mechanical drafters often work hand-in-hand with mechanical engineers when creating and preparing repairs for mechanical devices. Mechanical drafters also develop diagrams for machinery and mechanical devices. These diagrams require a high level of precision—drafters need to specify factors like dimensions and fastening methods.

The top paying industry for mechanical drafters is architectural, engineering, and related services with an annual mean wage of $60,460. The highest paying state for mechanical drafters is California yet again, with an annual mean wage of $71,550.

Percentile wages for mechanical drafters

Source: BLS

9. Interior Designer ($62,570)

Interior designers plan, design and furnish the interiors of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Interior designers have to look at every aspect involved in the furnishing, from color to materials to the placement in the room. Most importantly, the design needs to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

If you’re looking to find the most profitable industry for interior designs, keep your eyes peeled on the architectural, engineering, and related services sector – latest statistics place the median annual wages at $63,210. Wholesale trade comes in second with median annual wages of $61,820. 

New York is the highest paying state with interior designers there earning $72,220 on average. California is second with annual mean wages of $70,290, followed by Illinois with $63,270.

Percentile wages for interior designers

Source: BLS

10. Architectural and Civil Drafters ($60,620)

Architectural and civil drafters create and develop drawings of structures and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects like highways and bridges. A lot of this work will involve long hours spent surveying prospective project areas, documenting the stages of developing structures and much more.

Architectural and civil drafters looking to rake in the cash might want to look towards architectural, engineering, and related services—offering a median annual wage of $60,460. And the most profitable location for these drafters? California, once again, coming out with an annual mean wage of $66,140.

Percentile wages for architectural and civil drafters

Source: BLS

Parting Shot

If you are considering a career path in the CAD industry, you could be looking for a job that pays the highest wages. In that case, you could begin that journey by taking a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering. And if you are looking to settle in a state that pays the highest wages for your profession, consider California or New York. But keep in mind that the former is listed as one of the most expensive states to live in.

Of the various high-paying CAD jobs discussed in this article, the industrial engineering field is projected to witness the highest growth rate at 14%. Civil engineering is poised to see the second-highest growth, with BLS estimating that it will grow at 8%. At the same time, however, some fields are expected to experience stagnation or downright decline. Interior design, for example, will not experience any growth, while mechanical drafting is projected to decline by 5%.

In summary, here’s a breakdown of the best CAD jobs for each category (based on the salary):

• Best engineering job: Electrical and electronics engineering
• Best drafting job: Electrical and electronics drafting
• Best design job: Industrial design

If you like to use specific CAD software, like AutoCAD, you might be wondering if there are any job opportunities available. If that’s the case, you might want to take a look at our articles on AutoCAD careers or SolidWorks careers.