Drafting schools in Waukegan, IL

6 schools within 30 miles of Waukegan, IL offer CAD & drafting programs, and the closest is College of Lake County in Grayslake, 7 miles away. CAD drafters in Illinois earn a median $63,320 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
6
Closest
7 mi
Public colleges
6
Median pay in IL
$63,320

6 CAD & drafting schools within 30 mi of Waukegan, IL

School results

  1. College of Lake County

    Grayslake, IL · 7.3 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +21
  2. Gateway Technical College

    Kenosha, WI · 16 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +30
  3. Oakton College

    Des Plaines, IL · 21 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +14
  4. Hear from the best fits near Waukegan, IL

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  5. William Rainey Harper College

    Palatine, IL · 22 mi · Public

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

    Crystal Lake, IL · 27 mi · Public

    • CAD & drafting
    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • +13
  7. City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

    Chicago, IL · 29 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 Waukegan?

The closest are College of Lake County (Grayslake, 7 mi), Gateway Technical College (Kenosha, 16 mi), and Oakton College (Des Plaines, 21 mi). In total, 6 schools within 30 miles teach CAD & drafting.

How much do CAD & drafting programs near Waukegan cost?

For the 6 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $5,183 to $12,928. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do CAD drafters make near Waukegan?

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 Waukegan?

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.