CAD Technician salary in Iowa
A strong career option in Iowa — with programs that take 6 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,750/ yr
$5,063 / mo · $29.21 / hr
↓ $2,770 below the national median ($63,520)
Pay by experience
Entry
$39,978
Median
$60,750
Experienced
$84,843
Demand
Declining
Program length
6 months to 2 years
Projected growth
-6.9%
Annual openings
1,300
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Iowa compares to the national wage trend
Iowa median
$60,750
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
- CAD Technician (entry-level)$39,978
- CAD Technician (mid-career)$60,750
- CAD Technician (experienced)$84,843
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$39,978
- Median salary$60,750
- Experienced salary$84,843
At an entry wage of $39,978, most CAD Technicians break even on the $21,198 training investment in about 7 months of work.
How to become a CAD Technician in Iowa
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a CAD Technician program in Iowa
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 Iowa.
Get hired in Iowa
With roughly 1,300 CAD Technician openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Iowa.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a CAD Technician in Iowa is $60,750 per year, which is $29.21 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $39,978 while experienced CAD Technicians can earn up to $84,843 annually.
Next step
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