Drafting schools in Illinois
Looking for CAD & drafting schools in Illinois? There are 30, including 30 public colleges. CAD drafters in Illinois earn a median $63,320 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 30
- Public colleges
- 30
- Median pay in IL
- $63,320
- Cities with schools
- 12
24 CAD & drafting schools
School results
City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J. Daley College
Chicago, IL · Public
- CAD & drafting
- Electrician
- Welding
- +4
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
Chicago, IL · Public
- CAD & drafting
- Police academy & criminal justice
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City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College
Chicago, IL · Public
- CAD & drafting
- Automotive technician
- Cosmetology
- +3
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College
Chicago, IL · Public
- CAD & drafting
- CNC machining
- IT support & networking
- +2
Drafting schools by city
- Chicago (12 within 30 mi)
- Aurora (11 within 30 mi)
- Joliet (8 within 30 mi)
- Elgin (9 within 30 mi)
- Waukegan (6 within 30 mi)
- Arlington Heights (13 within 30 mi)
- Orland Park (11 within 30 mi)
- Lombard (14 within 30 mi)
- DeKalb (4 within 30 mi)
- O'Fallon (3 within 30 mi)
- McHenry (6 within 30 mi)
- Godfrey (3 within 30 mi)
What CAD drafters earn in Illinois
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
- Median pay
- $63,320
- $30.44 an hour
- Typical range
- $56,710–$94,930
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IL
- 450
- Job growth, 2025–35
- -6%
- 2,900 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near Illinois
One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options. Free, with no obligation.
- Compare real costs and start dates
- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
- Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with
Step 1 of 3: Your trade
Frequently asked questions
How many CAD & drafting schools are in Illinois?
We list 30 schools in Illinois with CAD & drafting programs: 30 public colleges. Campuses are in Chicago, Moline, Glen Ellyn, Grayslake, and Palos Hills.
Are there community college CAD & drafting programs in Illinois?
Yes. 30 public colleges in Illinois offer CAD & drafting. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does CAD & drafting school cost in Illinois?
Among the 30 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $1,672 to $12,961. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do CAD drafters make in Illinois?
The median pay for CAD drafters in Illinois is $63,320 a year, and most earn between $56,710 and $94,930, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a CAD & drafting school in Illinois?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in Illinois
- Cosmetology schools (64)
- IT schools (44)
- Criminal justice programs (44)
- Welding schools (44)
- CNA classes (42)
- Medical assistant schools (39)
- Auto mechanic schools (38)
- LPN programs (36)
- EMT and paramedic schools (36)
- Industrial maintenance schools (36)
- Medical billing and coding schools (34)
- Esthetician schools (32)
- HVAC schools (31)
- Radiology tech schools (25)
- Phlebotomy classes (24)
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