Mechanical Drafter salary in Cleveland, OH
Mechanical Drafters in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn a median of $64,770 a year ($31.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,230 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $71,550. Pay here is 8% lower than the Ohio statewide median of $70,580. There are 0.21 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $68,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Cleveland, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,400 | $23.27 |
| 25th percentile | $55,640 | $26.75 |
| Median | $64,770 | $31.14 |
| 75th percentile | $77,970 | $37.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,230 | $47.22 |
| Average (mean) | $68,670 | $33.02 |
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 | $5,397.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,698.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,491.15 |
| Weekly | $1,245.58 |
| Hourly | $31.14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $77,250 | 300 |
| Columbus, OH | $76,480 | 350 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $63,750 | 60 |
| Toledo, OH | $63,720 | 90 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $63,580 | 100 |
| Akron, OH | $63,030 | 100 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $60,760 | 40 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $55,160 | 60 |
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 Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cleveland, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $62,610 | $30.10 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $64,140 | $30.84 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $62,130 | $29.87 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $82,430 | $39.63 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $67,390 | $32.40 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $80,070 | $38.49 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $61,860 | $29.74 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $65,390 | $31.44 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $62,710 | $30.15 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $48,180 | $23.16 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $77,260 | $37.14 |
| Drafters, All Other | $58,690 | $28.22 |
| Industrial Engineer | $99,300 | $47.74 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $97,220 | $46.74 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Cleveland, OH
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 Cleveland, OH?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in the Cleveland, OH metro area is $64,770 a year, or $31.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,230 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Cleveland, OH?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn at least $98,230 a year. The top 25% earn $77,970 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Cleveland, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,400 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $55,640 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Cleveland, OH?
About 210 mechanical drafters are employed in the Cleveland, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.