How Much Do Mechanical Drafters Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Mechanical Drafters in California earns $82,510 per year and takes home $63,432 ($5,286/month) — a keep-rate of 76.9%, with 3,640 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $6,875.83 |
| Federal income tax | $776.84 |
| Social Security | $426.30 |
| Medicare | $99.70 |
| California state income tax | $286.99 |
| You keep | $5,286.01 |
How much do Mechanical Drafters make in California?
The median Mechanical Drafters in California earns $82,510 per year (BLS May 2025), about $39.67 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$82,510 gross in California keeps $63,432 after federal income tax ($9,322), FICA ($6,312) and state income tax ($3,444) — $5,286 per month, a 76.9% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Mechanical Drafters?
The California median is $10,960 above the national median of $71,550.
Which state pays Mechanical Drafters the most?
New Mexico has the highest median gross for Mechanical Drafters at $89,940 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Mechanical Drafters salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage