Mechanical Drafter salary in Tennessee
Mechanical Drafters in Tennessee earn a median of $63,390 a year ($30.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 740 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,210 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $71,550. Tennessee ranks 34th of 47 states for mechanical drafters pay. There are 0.23 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $68,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,440 | $22.81 |
| 25th percentile | $51,360 | $24.69 |
| Median | $63,390 | $30.48 |
| 75th percentile | $76,540 | $36.80 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $96,210 | $46.25 |
| Average (mean) | $68,100 | $32.74 |
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 | $5,282.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,641.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,438.08 |
| Weekly | $1,219.04 |
| Hourly | $30.48 |
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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $61,330 | 110 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $58,070 | $27.92 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $63,750 | $30.65 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $57,270 | $27.53 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $50,370 | $24.22 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $69,220 | $33.28 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $58,700 | $28.22 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $62,270 | $29.94 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $80,100 | $38.51 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $77,180 | $37.11 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $64,720 | $31.12 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $71,660 | $34.45 |
| Industrial Engineer | $99,080 | $47.64 |
| Civil Engineer | $95,910 | $46.11 |
| Engineers, All Other | $96,640 | $46.46 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in Tennessee is $63,390 a year, or $30.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,210 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in Tennessee earn at least $96,210 a year. The top 25% earn $76,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,440 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $51,360 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in Tennessee?
About 740 mechanical drafters are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.