Mechanical Drafters Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $50,830 -25.8% vs national
Median hourly $24.44
10th percentile $44,860
90th percentile $74,830
Employed locally 30
National median $68,510

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Mechanical Drafters
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Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $44,860
    25th
    $47,260
    50th (median)
    $50,830
    75th
    $62,600
    90th
    $74,830

    Top-paying metros for Mechanical Drafters

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $111,820
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $94,180
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $88,540
    Colorado Springs, CO $87,860
    Boulder, CO $86,500
    Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $86,230

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Industrial Engineers $86,760
    Civil Engineers $93,960
    Mechanical Engineers $83,480
    Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $75,700
    Electrical Engineers $104,140
    Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $70,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Mechanical Drafters make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Mechanical Drafters in Northwest Illinois is $24.44, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $35.98 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Mechanical Drafters salaries?

    The median Mechanical Drafters salary in Northwest Illinois is 25.8% below the national median of $68,510. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Mechanical Drafters in Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Mechanical Drafters (10th percentile) earn around $44,860 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,260.