Mechanical Drafter salary in Reno, NV
Mechanical Drafters in the Reno, NV metro area earn a median of $63,180 a year ($30.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,370 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $71,550. Pay here is 17% lower than the Nevada statewide median of $75,830. There are 0.27 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $73,730, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Reno, NV
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,640 | $20.50 |
| 25th percentile | $42,640 | $20.50 |
| Median | $63,180 | $30.38 |
| 75th percentile | $94,970 | $45.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $126,370 | $60.76 |
| Average (mean) | $73,730 | $35.45 |
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 | $5,265 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,632.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,430 |
| Weekly | $1,215 |
| Hourly | $30.38 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $75,830 | n/a |
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 Nevada statewide figures.
Related jobs in Reno, NV
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,470 | $29.55 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $66,950 | $32.19 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $69,650 | $33.49 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $73,220 | $35.20 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $78,870 | $37.92 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,090 | $28.41 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $73,320 | $35.25 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $82,790 | $39.80 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $75,720 | $36.40 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $68,480 | $32.92 |
| Industrial Engineer | $103,060 | $49.55 |
| Civil Engineer | $105,470 | $50.71 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $101,520 | $48.81 |
| Engineers, All Other | $99,310 | $47.74 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Reno, NV
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 Reno, NV?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in the Reno, NV metro area is $63,180 a year, or $30.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,370 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Reno, NV?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in the Reno, NV metro area earn at least $126,370 a year. The top 25% earn $94,970 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Reno, NV?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,640 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $42,640 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Reno, NV?
About 70 mechanical drafters are employed in the Reno, NV metro area, not counting the self-employed.