What would be the average starting wage for Auto CAD operators using Pro Engineer in the IL, OH, MI areas?
Asked by nooner
I live in IL and am attending school to become a CAD operator. there are a few somewhat large established companies within an hour or so of me that may hire CAD guys, and I was curious to see what some other operators know to be a average starting wage, either hourly or weekly. I would consider moving to a nearby state like OH or IN or Michigan if the wages are better there for entry CAD operators. Thanks. Of course I could call these companies, but I'm looking for real life experiences of someone who's been there to let me know what i can really expect, not just hyped-up promises of college placement guys.

Best Answer:
As a former Illinois boy myself that started his career as a drafter/CAD operator let me provide you with some answers that don't include working with your shirt off or a very confused look. If you can do CAD/Drafting well then expect your starting range to be anywhere from $10 an hour to 32k a year starting out. If you are lucky you may get as much as 35k, but that's likely not realistic unless you have some experience. Now you may be asking yourself: That's a range between 20k and 35k!?! It depends on your specialty, the company, and what you want to do. 3 years later (with experience) you could make anywhere between 28k-45k depending on the field and the industry. Once again, a fairly huge margin isn't it? Mid-30's would be fairly average then, perhaps a bit more if you are good and market yourself appropriately. In the end there isn't a magic number. Of people in your position over the past 5 years I know of individuals that made as low as $12.50 an hour and as high as 45k a year... $12.50 was working for a company that installed windows in buildings, 45k was a drafter working in facilities management for a hospital (a job controlled by pay scales). Shoot for what you can live on and go from there. Is $14-$16 an hour unreasonable? I don't think so, not if you can show off a good portfolio, the worst that can happen is they counter it. In 2-3 years with experience you'll be able to get more and start to live fairly comfortably. Also, check with www.salary.com as they have a darn good breakdown of drafters in your area on their website.
18 years in various drafting fields including 8 years in Illinois.
Answered by Brian Myers

Dude you should consider working at the Blue Oyster Bar with that profile photo.
Answered by Brian

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Answered by Steven