Mechanical Drafter Salary in West Virginia (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
West Virginia Median
$65,100
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.30
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-9% vs US median
US median $71,550
State Rank
#29 of 47
140 employed here

How much does a Mechanical Drafter make in West Virginia?

A Mechanical Drafter working in West Virginia earns a median salary of $65,100 per year, or about $31.30 per hour. That is 9% below the national median of $71,550 for this occupation.

Within West Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $51,270 while the top 10% make $99,540 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,660 and $81,320 a year.

Mechanical Drafter salary range in West Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$51,270$24.65
25th percentile (early career)$55,660$26.76
50th percentile (median)$65,100$31.30
75th percentile (experienced)$81,320$39.10
90th percentile (top earners)$99,540$47.86

How West Virginia compares

West Virginia ranks 29th 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 West Virginia

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 West Virginia pay ($65,100) 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 West Virginia?
The median Mechanical Drafter salary in West Virginia is $65,100 per year, or about $31.30 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $51,270 at the entry level to $99,540 for the top 10% of earners.
How does West Virginia pay compare to the national average?
West Virginia pays Mechanical Drafters about 9% less than the national median of $71,550. West Virginia ranks 29th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is West Virginia a good state for Mechanical Drafters?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $65,100 a year. About 140 Mechanical Drafters are employed in West Virginia. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in West Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in West Virginia include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($597,740), Emergency Medicine Physician ($491,230), Radiologist ($471,650), 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.