Mechanical Drafter salary in Lafayette, LA
Mechanical Drafters in the Lafayette, LA metro area earn a median of $61,240 a year ($29.44 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $122,860 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $71,550. Pay here is 21% lower than the Louisiana statewide median of $77,730. There are 0.26 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $70,060, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Lafayette, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| 25th percentile | $54,450 | $26.18 |
| Median | $61,240 | $29.44 |
| 75th percentile | $95,240 | $45.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $122,860 | $59.07 |
| Average (mean) | $70,060 | $33.68 |
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 | $5,103.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,551.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,355.38 |
| Weekly | $1,177.69 |
| Hourly | $29.44 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $79,130 | 80 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $77,720 | 140 |
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 Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lafayette, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Drafters, All Other | $60,270 | $28.98 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $66,050 | $31.76 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $44,440 | $21.37 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $49,990 | $24.03 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $72,320 | $34.77 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $65,150 | $31.32 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $63,890 | $30.72 |
| Engineers, All Other | $80,650 | $38.77 |
| Civil Engineer | $97,410 | $46.83 |
| Surveyor | $49,820 | $23.95 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $82,520 | $39.67 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $73,160 | $35.17 |
| Industrial Engineer | $117,120 | $56.31 |
| Electrical Engineer | $99,280 | $47.73 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Lafayette, LA
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 Lafayette, LA?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in the Lafayette, LA metro area is $61,240 a year, or $29.44 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $122,860 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Lafayette, LA?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in the Lafayette, LA metro area earn at least $122,860 a year. The top 25% earn $95,240 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Lafayette, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,440 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $54,450 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Lafayette, LA?
About 50 mechanical drafters are employed in the Lafayette, LA metro area, not counting the self-employed.