Average Mechanical Drafters Salary in Richmond, VA
The average salary for a Mechanical Drafters in Richmond, VA is $69,870. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,760.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mechanical Drafterss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Richmond, VA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Drafters in Richmond, VA earns-5.6%below the national average.
$33.6
$1,344
$5,823
Mechanical Drafters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Mechanical Drafters salaries in Richmond, VA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 20.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mechanical Drafters Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
The earning potential for Mechanical Drafterss in Richmond, VA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $49,670, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $89,760.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,670 | $23.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $52,403 | $25.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $71,070 | $34.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $87,338 | $42 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $89,760 | $43.2 |
Detailed Mechanical Drafters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Richmond, VA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $69,870 to $69,870.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.103
Per 1K Jobs
0.4
Location Quotient
At 0.40x, Richmond, VA has a notably lower concentration of Mechanical Drafters jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
70 people work as Mechanical Drafters in Richmond, VA.
Only 0.103 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Mechanical Drafters roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Drafters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Drafters Salary | $64,360↓ 8% | 41 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Drafters Salary | $56,360↓ 19% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Mechanical Drafterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Drafters make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Drafters in Richmond, VA is $69,870. This typically ranges from $49,670 for entry-level positions to $89,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 5.6% lower than the national median of $74,030.
Is Richmond, VA a good place for Mechanical Drafterss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mechanical Drafters salary in Richmond, VA is $69,870 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Richmond, VA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Mechanical Drafters?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($64,360) and Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 0.103 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 Richmond, VA