Mechanical Drafter salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Mechanical Drafters in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $61,330 a year ($29.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,930 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $71,550. Pay here is 3% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $63,390. There are 0.17 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $65,930, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,740 | $22.47 |
| 25th percentile | $50,540 | $24.30 |
| Median | $61,330 | $29.49 |
| 75th percentile | $78,540 | $37.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,930 | $40.83 |
| Average (mean) | $65,930 | $31.70 |
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 | $5,110.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,555.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,358.85 |
| Weekly | $1,179.42 |
| Hourly | $29.49 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $78,640 | 90 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $67,850 | 50 |
| Knoxville, TN | $64,730 | 170 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $64,510 | 60 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $63,400 | 40 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $62,420 | 180 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $59,850 | 100 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,070 | $29.36 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $75,850 | $36.47 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $65,090 | $31.29 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $55,890 | $26.87 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $56,430 | $27.13 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $64,510 | $31.02 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $75,960 | $36.52 |
| Drafters, All Other | $68,020 | $32.70 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $76,210 | $36.64 |
| Industrial Engineer | $100,480 | $48.31 |
| Civil Engineer | $96,100 | $46.20 |
| Engineers, All Other | $85,860 | $41.28 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 | $50.05 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $61,330 a year, or $29.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $84,930 a year. The top 25% earn $78,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,740 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $50,540 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 110 mechanical drafters are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.