Mechanical Drafter salary in Fargo, ND-MN
Mechanical Drafters in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area earn a median of $77,520 a year ($37.27 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,230 for the top 10%. That is 8% higher than the national median of $71,550. Pay here is about the same as the North Dakota statewide median of $77,570. There are 0.30 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $75,940, close to the median.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Fargo, ND-MN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,180 | $24.12 |
| 25th percentile | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| Median | $77,520 | $37.27 |
| 75th percentile | $82,360 | $39.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,230 | $48.19 |
| Average (mean) | $75,940 | $36.51 |
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 | $6,460 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,230 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,981.54 |
| Weekly | $1,490.77 |
| Hourly | $37.27 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $75,770 | 830 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $75,160 | 30 |
| Mankato, MN | $67,250 | 50 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $64,000 | 70 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $62,550 | 40 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $61,270 | 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 North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Fargo, ND-MN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $65,030 | $31.26 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $65,330 | $31.41 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $76,860 | $36.95 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $79,710 | $38.32 |
| Civil Engineer | $95,530 | $45.93 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $86,330 | $41.51 |
| Industrial Engineer | $86,510 | $41.59 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $95,100 | $45.72 |
| Electrical Engineer | $109,790 | $52.78 |
| Surveyor | $102,270 | $49.17 |
| Engineers, All Other | $97,390 | $46.82 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Fargo, ND-MN
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 Fargo, ND-MN?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area is $77,520 a year, or $37.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $50,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,230 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Fargo, ND-MN?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area earn at least $100,230 a year. The top 25% earn $82,360 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Fargo, ND-MN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,180 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $63,660 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Fargo, ND-MN?
About 40 mechanical drafters are employed in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area, not counting the self-employed.