Average Mechanical Drafters Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Mechanical Drafters in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area command an impressive average annual salary of $87,030, significantly outpacing the national average of $74,030. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of specialized industry demand and the overall economic vitality of the region, which necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 Mechanical Drafters, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area presents a moderately sized but stable job market. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the presence of a dedicated workforce indicates consistent demand and opportunities for skilled professionals within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+17.6%above the national average.
$41.8
$1,674
$7,253
Mechanical Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as technological advancements, increased project complexity, and inflation typically contribute to upward salary adjustments in specialized technical fields.
Mechanical Drafters Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Mechanical Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior drafters with extensive project portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $59,480 | $28.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $65,273 | $31.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $85,050 | $40.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,788 | $52.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $116,580 | $56 |
Detailed Mechanical Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $87,030 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by Mechanical Drafters here offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
0.175
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.68x the national average concentration of Mechanical Drafters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates that Mechanical Drafters are employed in Denver-Aurora-Centennial at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Mechanical Drafters Salary | $100,040↑ 15% | 27 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Mechanical Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Drafters make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $87,030. This typically ranges from $59,480 for entry-level positions to $116,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 17.6% higher than the national median of $74,030.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Mechanical Drafters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Mechanical Drafters.Mechanical Drafters earn significantly above the national average salary in this region. The cost of living being at the national average further enhances the financial attractiveness of this location.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Mechanical Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($100,040) and others.
How does the local Mechanical Drafter salary compare to the national average?
Mechanical Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial earn an average of $87,030 annually, which is $13,000 more than the national average of $74,030.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The Location Quotient for Mechanical Drafters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is 0.68, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Mechanical Drafter salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is 100, matching the national average. This means the higher local salary of $87,030 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job opportunities?
With 280 Mechanical Drafters employed locally, the workforce size suggests a stable, albeit not massive, demand for these professionals in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.175 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Drafters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO