Mechanical Drafter salary in South Carolina
Mechanical Drafters in South Carolina earn a median of $63,740 a year ($30.64 an hour), based on BLS data for 640 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,550 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,840 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $71,550. South Carolina ranks 31st of 47 states for mechanical drafters pay. There are 0.28 mechanical drafters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $72,080, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical drafters in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,550 | $25.27 |
| 25th percentile | $55,140 | $26.51 |
| Median | $63,740 | $30.64 |
| 75th percentile | $80,240 | $38.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $109,840 | $52.81 |
| Average (mean) | $72,080 | $34.66 |
Half of mechanical drafters earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,311.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,655.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,451.54 |
| Weekly | $1,225.77 |
| Hourly | $30.64 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $63,740 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Mechanical Drafter salary in cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $77,670 | 100 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $67,190 | 60 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $66,170 | 180 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $62,890 | 400 |
| Columbia, SC | $61,300 | 30 |
| Florence, SC | $59,320 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for mechanical drafters
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $89,940 |
| Colorado | $85,280 |
| New Jersey | $83,380 |
| California | $82,510 |
| Texas | $79,380 |
| Louisiana | $77,730 |
| North Dakota | $77,570 |
| Washington | $76,820 |
| Maryland | $76,740 |
| New York | $76,490 |
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $70,080 | $33.69 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $73,450 | $35.31 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $53,710 | $25.82 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $43,740 | $21.03 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $69,580 | $33.45 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $64,680 | $31.09 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $80,540 | $38.72 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $76,440 | $36.75 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $67,610 | $32.50 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $63,200 | $30.39 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $66,910 | $32.17 |
| Drafters, All Other | $61,250 | $29.45 |
| Industrial Engineer | $101,060 | $48.59 |
| Civil Engineer | $101,600 | $48.85 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-3013. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mechanical drafter make in South Carolina?
The median salary for mechanical drafters in South Carolina is $63,740 a year, or $30.64 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,550 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,840 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical drafters make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of mechanical drafters in South Carolina earn at least $109,840 a year. The top 25% earn $80,240 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical drafters in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,550 a year, and a quarter of mechanical drafters earn $55,140 or less.
How many mechanical drafters work in South Carolina?
About 640 mechanical drafters are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.