For our latest, 2025 salary survey results, click here
2024 CAD Salary Survey
This is our 11th anniversary year!
To gain insights into the priorities of CAD professionals in the UK, we conducted a survey of over 3,000 CAD staff.
To find out what matters most to CAD Designers, we asked 15 questions.
- Check My Salary -
The average salary has increased by 7.2% from £35,250 in 2023 to £37,889 in 2024. The largest increase we have ever seen.
CAD professionals in the South East saw the largest salary increases in 2024, with a 9% rise.
Salary is still the most significant factor for candidates. When considering a new role, 39% of CAD staff say it is a key motivator.
- Payrise -
We asked, have you been offered a significant pay rise this year. A resounding 84% of respondents have not.
Scotland had the highest proportion of professionals reporting significant pay rises, with 34% of respondents seeing increases, compared to the national average of 28%.
- Changing Jobs -
41% of candidates are currently consider changing jobs. 26% of candidates would consider changing jobs too.
The North West had the most active job market in 2024, with 49% of CAD professionals considering or actively looking for new roles.
- Deciding Factors -
Salary remains the top motivator, with 39% of candidates citing it as their primary reason to move. Hybrid working and flexible hours are also crucial, with 65% seeking at least one remote workday per week. Notably, CAD professionals in London lead in hybrid adoption, with 73% working remotely part of the week.
General working environment and training opportunities continue to influence decisions, with over 20% listing them as key factors.
- Software -
There is still a continued reliance on AutoCAD but surprisingly, Revit continues to play an important role, especially in the construction sector.
Interestingly, we continue to see a slight move away from SolidWorks towards Autodesk Inventor.
- Job Security -
How secure do you feel in your current role?
- Training -
Have you been offered job related training for the CAD software you use?
- Location -
This year has remained similar to last. Only some very small changes overall. We have seen a 2% decrease in candidates living in the North West and a 3% rise for candidates in the Midlands.
The major shifts from 2021 and 2022 seem to have settled.
London and the South East still make up over 40% of candidates.
- Stress at Work -
As in previous years, stress remains a significant factor for CAD professionals. Deadlines are part of the job, but 19% of candidates report feeling excessive workplace pressure. Interestingly, professionals in London experience the highest stress levels, with 27% citing significant deadline pressure—well above the national average.
On the other hand, 16% of candidates feel little to no pressure in their roles, reflecting the diversity of working environments across the sector.
- Work From Home -
How many days a week are you happy to work in the office? With more CAD staff saying flexible working conditions are a key driver for job changes, it’s no surprise that 65% of candidates want at least some remote work. Over the past five years, the desire for hybrid working has grown significantly, driven by the pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Flexible arrangements are now a standard expectation, particularly in urban areas like London, where commuting costs and housing pressures make remote work especially appealing.
- Age -
This year, we continue to see an increase in candidates aged 25 to 34, who now make up 42% of the workforce. Last year, we noticed a rise in Junior candidates, and this trend has continued. The increased feeling of job security, along with pay rises, should see this number continue to grow as the industry remains an excellent option for graduates and apprenticeships alike.
Notably, the Midlands stands out as having the youngest workforce, with 55% of CAD professionals in the region under the age of 35, reflecting its appeal to early-career talent.
- Job Appreciation -
The CAD sector continues to be well appreciated. With over 78% of candidates feeling appreciated in their role. This is slightly down from 84% last year. This has mainly come from the ‘Quite Appreciated’ who now feel ‘Appreciated’.
There has been a large 6% increase with candidates moving feeling just ‘A Little Appreciated’.
- Reward -
Almost 80% of candidates find their role rewarding, with only 6% saying their role is ‘Not At All’ rewarding. Interestingly, candidates in Scotland report the highest levels of job satisfaction, with 85% feeling their work is rewarding, compared to the national average of 80%.
- Progression-
Encouragingly, 60% of candidates feel there is a chance for career progression within their role, though 17% still believe there is ‘No Chance.’ This highlights an area for improvement within the industry. Notably, candidates in the South East are the most optimistic, with 70% feeling their roles offer clear pathways for growth, reflecting regional differences in opportunities.
- How can CADagency help -
Whether you are looking for a new role or have a vacancy to fill, we can help.
Call us: 01245 790233
Email: office@cadagency.co.uk