Mechanical drafters
SOC Code: 17-3013Also known as:
Aeronautical Drafter, Architectural Drafter, Auto Design Detailer, Auto Design Drafter (Automotive Design Drafter), Auto Design Layout Drafter (Automotive Design Layout Drafter)
Median Annual Salary
$68,510
-6.5% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
43K
Current Jobs
What Mechanical drafters Do
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
💰 Salary
$68,510
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-6.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
42,900
Projected Employment (2034)
40,100
Related Careers
Architectural and civil drafters
$64,280 •
+4.1% growth
Electrical and electronics drafters
$73,720 •
-5.6% growth
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
$68,730 •
+0.0% growth
Commercial and industrial designers
$79,450 •
+3.2% growth
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700 •
-18.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Mathematics
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
- Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
- Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
- Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
- Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
- Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
- Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
- Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Mechanical drafters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a mechanical drafters:
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
4,395 degrees awarded •
224 colleges offer this program
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
3,162 degrees awarded •
191 colleges offer this program
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
2,476 degrees awarded •
182 colleges offer this program
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician
1,144 degrees awarded •
29 colleges offer this program
Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
1,112 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD
932 degrees awarded •
107 colleges offer this program
3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
40 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Mechanical drafters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become mechanical drafters.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical drafters make?
The median annual salary for mechanical drafters is $68,510.
What education do mechanical drafters need?
Most mechanical drafters positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General, Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician, CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician.
Is becoming mechanical drafters a good career choice?
Mechanical drafters is projected to see -6.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 3,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for mechanical drafters?
Top colleges for aspiring mechanical drafters include
Purdue University-Main Campus, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tulsa Technology Center, Eastern Florida State College, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to mechanical drafters?
Mechanical drafters may also be known as: Aeronautical Drafter, Architectural Drafter, Auto Design Detailer, Auto Design Drafter (Automotive Design Drafter), Auto Design Layout Drafter (Automotive Design Layout Drafter), AutoCAD Designer, AutoCAD Drafter, AutoCAD Technician, Body Design Checker, Body Designer, CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer), CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter), CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter), CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman), CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter), CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator), CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator), CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician), CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.