Electrical and electronics drafters
SOC Code: 17-3012Also known as:
Analog Design Engineer, Analog Integrated Circuits Design Engineer (Analog IC Design Engineer), AutoCAD Drafter, AutoCAD Technician, CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter)
Median Annual Salary
$73,720
-5.6% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
22K
Current Jobs
What Electrical and electronics drafters Do
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
💰 Salary
$73,720
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-5.6%
Decline
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
21,600
Projected Employment (2034)
20,400
Related Careers
Electronics engineers, except computer
$127,590 •
+6.2% growth
Architectural and civil drafters
$64,280 •
+4.1% growth
Mechanical drafters
$68,510 •
-6.5% growth
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
$77,180 •
+0.6% growth
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
$68,730 •
+0.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Writing
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
- Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
- Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
- Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
- Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
- Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
- Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.
- Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.
- Draw master sketches to scale showing relation of proposed installations to existing facilities and exact specifications and dimensions.
- Review work orders or procedural manuals and confer with vendors or design staff to resolve problems or modify design.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Electrical and electronics drafters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a electrical and electronics drafters:
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
6,829 degrees awarded •
377 colleges offer this program
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
4,395 degrees awarded •
224 colleges offer this program
Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
2,973 degrees awarded •
127 colleges offer this program
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
2,476 degrees awarded •
182 colleges offer this program
Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/Electronics CAD/CADD
60 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
40 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Integrated Circuit Design Technology/Technician
10 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Electrical and electronics drafters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become electrical and electronics drafters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical and electronics drafters make?
The median annual salary for electrical and electronics drafters is $73,720.
What education do electrical and electronics drafters need?
Most electrical and electronics drafters positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician, Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General, Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.
Is becoming electrical and electronics drafters a good career choice?
Electrical and electronics drafters is projected to see -5.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for electrical and electronics drafters?
Top colleges for aspiring electrical and electronics drafters include
Texas A & M University-College Station, Purdue University-Main Campus, State Technical College of Missouri, Dallas College, Valencia College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to electrical and electronics drafters?
Electrical and electronics drafters may also be known as: Analog Design Engineer, Analog Integrated Circuits Design Engineer (Analog IC Design Engineer), AutoCAD Drafter, AutoCAD Technician, CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter), CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman), CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter), Circuit Board Drafter, Circuit Designer, Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer), Computer-Aided Design Operator, Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech), Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Designer, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Operator, Design Drafter, Designer, Distribution Designer, Drafter, Drafting Technician (Drafting Tech), Electrical Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician (Electrical CADD Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.