Mechanical Drafters Salary in Iowa

Mechanical drafters in Iowa earn the most in Davenport (average $78,940 a year) and the least in Sioux City ($57,820), across the 5 Iowa metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the mechanical drafters average at $66,820 and the median at $63,330 for 630 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $75,060.

Mechanical Drafters average salary by city in Iowa

Davenport$78,940
Des Moines$75,100
Cedar Rapids$62,120
Dubuque$58,550
Sioux City$57,820

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Davenport	$78,940	$80,550	$59,460	$61,976	89
Des Moines	$75,100	$75,510	$57,490	$59,421	92
Cedar Rapids	$62,120	$57,430	$54,020	$50,345	89
Dubuque	$58,550	$57,440	$56,580	$47,612	87
Sioux City	$57,820	$53,630	$48,610	$47,053	86

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Iowa school district surtaxes (a percentage of state tax in some districts) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Mechanical Drafters salary in other states

Mechanical Drafters salary by city and state

More about pay in Iowa

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 17-3013.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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