Drafting schools in Elgin, IL

9 schools within 30 miles of Elgin, IL offer CAD & drafting programs, and one is in Elgin itself. CAD drafters in Illinois earn a median $63,320 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
9
Closest
1 mi
Public colleges
9
Median pay in IL
$63,320

9 CAD & drafting schools within 30 mi of Elgin, IL

School results

  1. Elgin Community College

    Elgin, IL · 1.5 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +19
  2. William Rainey Harper College

    Palatine, IL · 13 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +20
  3. McHenry County College

    Crystal Lake, IL · 15 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • +13
  4. Hear from the best fits near Elgin, IL

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  5. Waubonsee Community College

    Sugar Grove, IL · 18 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • HVAC technician
    • Carpentry
    • +13
  6. College of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn, IL · 19 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +23
  7. Oakton College

    Des Plaines, IL · 23 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +14
  8. Triton College

    River Grove, IL · 26 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • HVAC technician
    • Plumbing
    • +18
  9. College of Lake County

    Grayslake, IL · 27 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +21
  10. City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

    Chicago, IL · 28 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • CNC machining
    • IT support & networking
    • +2

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the closest CAD & drafting schools to Elgin?

The closest are Elgin Community College (Elgin, 1 mi), William Rainey Harper College (Palatine, 13 mi), and McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, 15 mi). In total, 9 schools within 30 miles teach CAD & drafting.

How much do CAD & drafting programs near Elgin cost?

For the 9 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $4,138 to $11,607. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do CAD drafters make near Elgin?

Across Illinois, the median pay is $63,320 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.

How do I choose a CAD & drafting school in Elgin?

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.