Mechanical Drafter salary in Boulder, CO
Mechanical Drafters in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $102,710 a year ($49.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $161,770 for the top 10%. That is 44% higher than the national median of $71,550. Pay here is 20% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $85,280. There are 0.33 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $109,830, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,990 | $34.61 |
| 25th percentile | $84,150 | $40.46 |
| Median | $102,710 | $49.38 |
| 75th percentile | $159,600 | $76.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $161,770 | $77.77 |
| Average (mean) | $109,830 | $52.80 |
Half of mechanical drafters earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,559.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,279.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,950.38 |
| Weekly | $1,975.19 |
| Hourly | $49.38 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Mechanical Drafter salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $90,160 | 380 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $87,860 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for mechanical drafters
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $89,940 |
| Colorado | $85,280 |
| New Jersey | $83,380 |
| California | $82,510 |
| Texas | $79,380 |
| Louisiana | $77,730 |
| North Dakota | $77,570 |
| Washington | $76,820 |
| Maryland | $76,740 |
| New York | $76,490 |
See Mechanical Drafter pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $77,210 | $37.12 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $75,200 | $36.16 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $69,010 | $33.18 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $77,350 | $37.19 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $78,370 | $37.68 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $64,570 | $31.04 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $84,870 | $40.80 |
| Drafters, All Other | $74,630 | $35.88 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $73,100 | $35.14 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $103,910 | $49.96 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,370 | $29.02 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $124,360 | $59.79 |
| Industrial Engineer | $117,160 | $56.33 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $167,160 | $80.36 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-3013. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mechanical drafter make in Boulder, CO?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in the Boulder, CO metro area is $102,710 a year, or $49.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $71,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $161,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $161,770 a year. The top 25% earn $159,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,990 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $84,150 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Boulder, CO?
About 60 mechanical drafters are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.