Salary in the US varies widely, butis probably $15-$20/hour. I am a machine designer with an AAS degree, and 15+ years of design experience in many fields, but am working more as a draftsman right now just to be working. When I get back into a design job, I hope to be back up around $20-$25/hour.
As for job security... There is none either way...
One can not compare directly..there are many factors affecting wages:
- In which region you are working e.g. In India i could work for 3$/hr & is not feasible in other region!
- What type of work you are doing e.g. drafting, design,documentation...bla..bla..
- what is your expertise/qualification
- how large is organisation you work for
-bla..bla..!