Mechanical Drafter salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Mechanical Drafters in the St. Louis, MO-IL metro area earn a median of $70,830 a year ($34.05 an hour), based on BLS data for 330 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $108,120 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $71,550. Pay here is 7% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $66,350. There are 0.25 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $77,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in St. Louis, MO-IL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,110 | $25.05 |
| 25th percentile | $60,380 | $29.03 |
| Median | $70,830 | $34.05 |
| 75th percentile | $90,060 | $43.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $108,120 | $51.98 |
| Average (mean) | $77,130 | $37.08 |
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 | $5,902.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,951.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,724.23 |
| Weekly | $1,362.12 |
| Hourly | $34.05 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $80,550 | 50 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $76,340 | 390 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $72,540 | 320 |
| Springfield, MO | $64,330 | 90 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $60,550 | 40 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $62,430 | $30.01 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $62,930 | $30.26 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $67,850 | $32.62 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $71,900 | $34.57 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $58,130 | $27.95 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $84,020 | $40.40 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $70,610 | $33.95 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $65,800 | $31.63 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $75,000 | $36.06 |
| Drafters, All Other | $62,500 | $30.05 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $70,870 | $34.07 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,610 | $29.14 |
| Civil Engineer | $96,830 | $46.55 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,230 | $49.15 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in St. Louis, MO-IL
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 St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in the St. Louis, MO-IL metro area is $70,830 a year, or $34.05 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $108,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in the St. Louis, MO-IL metro area earn at least $108,120 a year. The top 25% earn $90,060 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in St. Louis, MO-IL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,110 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $60,380 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in St. Louis, MO-IL?
About 330 mechanical drafters are employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL metro area, not counting the self-employed.