Mechanical Drafter salary in Louisiana
Mechanical Drafters in Louisiana earn a median of $77,730 a year ($37.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 420 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,460 for the lowest-paid 10% to $142,240 for the top 10%. That is 9% higher than the national median of $71,550. Louisiana ranks 6th of 47 states for mechanical drafters pay. There are 0.22 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $86,680, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Louisiana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,460 | $21.38 |
| 25th percentile | $57,980 | $27.88 |
| Median | $77,730 | $37.37 |
| 75th percentile | $122,330 | $58.81 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $142,240 | $68.38 |
| Average (mean) | $86,680 | $41.67 |
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 | $6,477.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,238.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,989.62 |
| Weekly | $1,494.81 |
| Hourly | $37.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Mechanical Drafter salary in cities in Louisiana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $79,130 | 80 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $77,720 | 140 |
| Lafayette, LA | $61,240 | 50 |
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 |
Related jobs in Louisiana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $58,960 | $28.35 |
| Drafters, All Other | $68,470 | $32.92 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $61,010 | $29.33 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $82,990 | $39.90 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $49,440 | $23.77 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $80,670 | $38.78 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $68,030 | $32.71 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $102,800 | $49.42 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $62,550 | $30.07 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $75,410 | $36.26 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,840 | $29.25 |
| Engineers, All Other | $99,070 | $47.63 |
| Civil Engineer | $105,380 | $50.66 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $119,540 | $57.47 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Louisiana
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 Louisiana?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in Louisiana is $77,730 a year, or $37.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,460 for the lowest-paid 10% to $142,240 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Louisiana?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in Louisiana earn at least $142,240 a year. The top 25% earn $122,330 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Louisiana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,460 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $57,980 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Louisiana?
About 420 mechanical drafters are employed in Louisiana, not counting the self-employed.