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Drafters and CAD technicians produce the detailed drawings that turn substation engineering designs into buildable construction packages. They typically work in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or specialized utility CAD suites under the direction of a substation designer or P&C engineer. The role is a critical bench role at most utilities and EPC firms — capacity often gates how many substation projects can move through engineering at once.
Drafter / CAD Technician, all U.S. geographies. Each row is a distinct seniority band — comp scales with the level. Base = annual salary. TCC = total cash compensation (base + bonus).
| Level | 25th | Median | 75th | TCC 50th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drafter I | $59k | $66k | $74k | $67k |
| Drafter II | $70k | $79k | $88k | $81k |
| Drafter III | $86k | $96k | $106k | $100k |
| Senior Drafter | $88k | $98k | $108k | $102k |
| Senior Drafting Supervisor | $118k | $132k | $144k | $139k |
Effective 2026-05-01 · Data quarter Q2 2026
Salary varies significantly by region. Click a state below for a state-specific salary range.
No state-level data published yet.
Power Grid Talent represents drafter / cad technicians to U.S. utilities, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and EPC firms. Your name stays confidential until we submit you to a specific employer with your approval — your current employer never finds out you're looking.