Mechanical Drafter Salary in Minnesota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Mechanical Drafters in Minnesota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Minnesota Median
$73,090
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.14
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+2% vs US median
US median $71,550
State Rank
#15 of 47
1,220 employed here

How much does a Mechanical Drafter make in Minnesota?

A Mechanical Drafter working in Minnesota earns a median salary of $73,090 per year, or about $35.14 per hour. That is 2% above the national median of $71,550 for this occupation.

Within Minnesota, entry-level pay starts around $52,380 while the top 10% make $100,080 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,940 and $79,870 a year.

Mechanical Drafter salary range in Minnesota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$52,380$25.18
25th percentile (early career)$62,940$30.26
50th percentile (median)$73,090$35.14
75th percentile (experienced)$79,870$38.40
90th percentile (top earners)$100,080$48.12

How Minnesota compares

Minnesota ranks 15th out of 47 states and territories for Mechanical Drafter pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New Mexico$89,940
2Colorado$85,280
3New Jersey$83,380
4California$82,510
5Texas$79,380

Working as a Mechanical Drafter in Minnesota

Nationally, about 40,000 people work as Mechanical Drafters in the United States. An associate degree (about 2 years of college) is the typical entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Minnesota pay ($73,090) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Mechanical Drafter make in Minnesota?
The median Mechanical Drafter salary in Minnesota is $73,090 per year, or about $35.14 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $52,380 at the entry level to $100,080 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Minnesota pay compare to the national average?
Minnesota pays Mechanical Drafters about 2% more than the national median of $71,550. Minnesota ranks 15th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Minnesota a good state for Mechanical Drafters?
Yes on pay — Minnesota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $73,090 a year. About 1,220 Mechanical Drafters are employed in Minnesota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Minnesota?
The highest-paying occupations in Minnesota include Radiologist ($708,340), Dermatologist ($625,790), Surgeon, All Other ($568,150), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Mechanical Drafter salary report

Related salaries

Drafter, All Other

$63,520
median pay · 14,000 employed

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$74,510
median pay · 36,000 employed

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

$76,870
median pay · 18,000 employed

Architectural and Civil Drafters

$66,150
median pay · 104,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.