Mechanical Drafter salary in New Mexico
Mechanical Drafters in New Mexico earn a median of $89,940 a year ($43.24 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,340 for the top 10%. That is 26% higher than the national median of $71,550. New Mexico ranks 1st of 47 states for mechanical drafters pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.10 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.40). The average (mean) salary is $98,460, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in New Mexico
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,840 | $25.41 |
| 25th percentile | $85,730 | $41.22 |
| Median | $89,940 | $43.24 |
| 75th percentile | $128,400 | $61.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,340 | $63.15 |
| Average (mean) | $98,460 | $47.34 |
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 | $7,495 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,747.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,459.23 |
| Weekly | $1,729.62 |
| Hourly | $43.24 |
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 New Mexico
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | $94,140 | 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 New Mexico
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $101,750 | $48.92 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $96,070 | $46.19 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $62,440 | $30.02 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $50,230 | $24.15 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $119,320 | $57.37 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $56,210 | $27.02 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,280 | $29.46 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $101,330 | $48.72 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $97,560 | $46.90 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $65,650 | $31.56 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,170 | $29.41 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $66,460 | $31.95 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $165,350 | $79.50 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $157,710 | $75.82 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in New Mexico
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 New Mexico?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in New Mexico is $89,940 a year, or $43.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,340 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in New Mexico?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in New Mexico earn at least $131,340 a year. The top 25% earn $128,400 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in New Mexico?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,840 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $85,730 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in New Mexico?
About 90 mechanical drafters are employed in New Mexico, not counting the self-employed.