CAD Technician salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 6 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$53,300/ yr
$4,442 / mo · $25.63 / hr
↓ $10,220 below the national median ($63,520)
Pay by experience
Entry
$44,408
Median
$53,300
Experienced
$94,266
Demand
Declining
Program length
6 months to 2 years
Projected growth
-6.9%
Annual openings
1,300
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Illinois compares to the national wage trend
Illinois median
$53,300
2025 national
$63,520
2024 national
$62,010
↑ +2.4% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
-6.9% projected growth through 2034
1,300 average annual openings nationwide for CAD Technicians.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$21,198
- Time to complete6 months to 2 years
- Credential earnedAssociate Degree
What you get back
- Starting salary$44,408
- Median salary$53,300
- Experienced salary$94,266
At an entry wage of $44,408, most CAD Technicians break even on the $21,198 training investment in about 6 months of work.
How to become a CAD Technician in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a CAD Technician program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most CAD Technician tracks complete in 6 months to 2 years and average $21,198 in tuition.
Earn your Associate Degree
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly 1,300 CAD Technician openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a CAD Technician in Illinois is $53,300 per year, which is $25.63 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $44,408 while experienced CAD Technicians can earn up to $94,266 annually.
Next step
Find CAD Technician Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited CAD Technician classes in your area.