Drafters

At a Glance

Prepare technical drawings for buildings and other structures
Work with engineers and architects
Often specialize in an area of construction
Use CAD (computer-aided design)
May work overtime to meet deadlines
Most have a two-year degree in drafting
Most work for engineering and architectural firms

Career summary

Drafters make detailed drawings of objects that will be manufactured or built.

Drafters may also be called designers, computer-aided drafters, electrical and electronics drafters, architectural and civil drafters, aeronautical drafters, or mechanical drafters.

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Drafters use computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems to prepare technical drawings. Production and construction workers use the drawings to build everything from radios to office buildings. The drawings show the technical details of the products and structures from all sides. They include exact dimensions, specific materials to be used, and procedures to be followed. Several drafters may work on drawings for the same project. Some drafters may coordinate the work of other drafters.

Drafters meet with engineers, architects, and other people who need technical drawings. From these meetings, drafters learn details about the project or item that will be built. Drafters may receive calculations and rough drawings from clients. They often visit job sites to collect data and take measurements. Drafters take the rough information and turn it into sketches or scale drawings. They use their own knowledge to fill in some of the details on drawings. They also refer to technical handbooks and tables for information. Drafters may create several different versions of a drawing. Each version reflects a different manufacturing or construction process.

Many drafters specialize in one area, such as:

Architectural drafting

Architectural drafters draw features of buildings and other structures.

Aeronautical drafting

Aeronautical drafters prepare drawings of aircraft and missiles.

Civil drafting

Civil drafters prepare drawings and maps of highways, pipelines, and water systems.

Electrical drafting

Electrical drafters draw wiring and layout diagrams. These are used to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in buildings.

Electronic drafting

Electronic drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings. These are used to assemble, install, and repair electronic equipment.

Mechanical drafting

Mechanical drafters make detailed drawings of machinery and mechanical devices.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Surveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to drafters.

Visit job sites and confer with engineers, surveyors, and architects to learn more about the item or structure to be drawn.
Use drafting tools and computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems to prepare technical drawings of items that include structural, electrical, and mechanical components.
Specify in drawings which materials are to be used. Determine a course of action and instructions, based on design.
Refer to building codes, technical handbooks, and tables for information. Determine their effect on designs.
Check dimensions of materials to be used.
Provide variations of designs for different construction circumstances.
Build landscape, architectural, and display models. Include both interiors and exteriors.
Work with architects and engineers to prepare project estimates, contracts, and reports.
Work with architects and engineers to make sure builders follow designs. Recommend corrections.
May coordinate the work and activities of other drafters and designers.

Common work activities

Drafters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Use computers
Get information needed to do the job
Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Evaluate information against standards
Make decisions and solve problems
Update and use job-related knowledge
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Document and record information
Think creatively
Process information
Identify objects, actions, and events
Analyze data or information
Establish and maintain relationships
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Communicate with people outside the organization
Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, drafters:

Interpersonal relationships

Communicate with others on a daily basis by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also write letters and memos, but less often.
Have a medium level of job-required social interaction. Drafters work with customers and coworkers.
Usually work as part of a team of drafters and architects.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by the drafters they supervise.
May on occasion be placed in conflict situations.

Physical work conditions

May occasionally work in noisy environments.
Almost always work indoors. May occasionally work outdoors to take measurements for buildings or utility systems.
Work near others, such as when sharing office space.

Work performance

Must be sure jobs are done accurately and thoroughly. Errors could seriously endanger the users of structures or products.
Work in a somewhat competitive atmosphere where they must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.
Make decisions that affect clients on a weekly or monthly basis. They usually consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
Set some of their daily tasks and goals, but usually speak to a supervisor first.
Repeat the same physical and mental activities.

Hours/travel

May work more than 40 hours a week to meet deadlines.
May travel to clients' offices or to buildings similar to those they will draw.
Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Drafters frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for drafters to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for drafters to be able to:

Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Determine the distance between objects.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Drafters need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Understand written information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.

Use math and science

Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Drafting and Design Technology

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a drafter, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
have an associate degree.

Education after high school

Many drafters have an associate degree in drafting. Many public and private schools offer drafting programs. However, the kind and quality of these programs varies greatly. Carefully select your program. Check with employers to see which schools they prefer. In addition, ask the schools for the names of employers where they have placed graduates. Also, make sure the school has the type of training you want, up-to-date equipment and software, and qualified instructors.

The drafting programs at technical schools are similar to those at community colleges. Both programs are intensive and focus on drafting. However, the programs at technical schools generally have less course work in theory and liberal arts. Also, the courses may not transfer to four-year colleges. Programs typically last about two years.

Work experience

Working in jobs that require mechanical ability is good background for this occupation. For instance, you could work with a framing crew. On the job you would get experience working with drawings, building materials, and construction methods. This experience would help prepare you to become an architectural drafter.

On-the-job training

Employers often provide additional training in computer-aided drafting (CAD) software. Rapid changes in CAD software require you to spend time each year learning new techniques and software programs. Training often lasts up to six months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians. Training lasts nine to 31 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Blueprint Reading
Computer Applications
Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
Drafting
Drawing and Painting

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer drafters who have training from a junior college, university, or technical institute. Employers are starting to prefer drafters whose skills have been certified by a reliable industry source. They are also most interested in drafters who have well-developed drafting and mechanical drawing skills. Employers look for drafters who are familiar with CAD programs. Communication and problem-solving skills are also very important.

Employers may also look for experienced workers with a background in a specialized area. Some employers look for workers who have worked in the contracting field.

Tips

An interest in mechanical things and a desire to figure out how things work and go together is a plus. Take as much math as possible. Be willing to learn and keep informed about current industrial practices.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Architectural and civil drafters (SOC 17-3011)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$17.61	$20.88	$26.20	$32.93	$40.59
	Monthly	$3,052	$3,619	$4,540	$5,707	$7,034
	Yearly	$36,620	$43,430	$54,490	$68,490	$84,430
Bellingham	Hourly	$19.85	$23.21	$27.53	$30.65	$35.92
	Monthly	$3,440	$4,022	$4,771	$5,312	$6,225
	Yearly	$41,296	$48,267	$57,262	$63,759	$74,725
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$18.12	$21.99	$27.24	$33.21	$37.88
	Monthly	$3,140	$3,811	$4,721	$5,755	$6,565
	Yearly	$37,699	$45,729	$56,654	$69,064	$78,779
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$16.38	$17.48	$19.32	$34.69	$38.40
	Monthly	$2,839	$3,029	$3,348	$6,012	$6,655
	Yearly	$34,062	$36,360	$40,190	$72,165	$79,874
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$25.97	$28.66	$32.86	$40.21	$46.34
	Monthly	$4,501	$4,967	$5,695	$6,968	$8,031
	Yearly	$54,018	$59,604	$68,347	$83,628	$96,403
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$17.63	$20.97	$24.06	$29.16	$35.07
	Monthly	$3,055	$3,634	$4,170	$5,053	$6,078
	Yearly	$36,679	$43,606	$50,053	$60,650	$72,938
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$18.09	$21.43	$27.23	$34.31	$41.84
	Monthly	$3,135	$3,714	$4,719	$5,946	$7,251
	Yearly	$37,621	$44,565	$56,633	$71,364	$87,012
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$16.71	$20.47	$22.80	$25.32	$30.52
	Monthly	$2,896	$3,547	$3,951	$4,388	$5,289
	Yearly	$34,744	$42,588	$47,433	$52,683	$63,485
Vancouver	Hourly	$19.85	$22.56	$27.57	$34.76	$43.06
	Monthly	$3,440	$3,910	$4,778	$6,024	$7,462
	Yearly	$41,291	$46,910	$57,341	$72,315	$89,564
Wenatchee	Hourly	$12.43	$25.38	$29.87	$35.52	$38.58
	Monthly	$2,154	$4,398	$5,176	$6,156	$6,686
	Yearly	$25,867	$52,792	$62,124	$73,874	$80,239
Yakima	Hourly	$15.48	$17.10	$19.95	$26.76	$29.99
	Monthly	$2,683	$2,963	$3,457	$4,638	$5,197
	Yearly	$32,199	$35,579	$41,507	$55,656	$62,396
United States	Hourly	$16.84	$20.99	$26.40	$32.27	$38.88
	Monthly	$2,918	$3,638	$4,575	$5,592	$6,738
	Yearly	$35,020	$43,660	$54,920	$67,120	$80,880

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Electrical and electronics drafters (SOC 17-3012)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$22.50	$31.02	$42.86	$54.47	$61.68
	Monthly	$3,899	$5,376	$7,428	$9,440	$10,689
	Yearly	$46,800	$64,520	$89,160	$113,300	$128,300
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$20.70	$22.68	$30.19	$37.61	$44.10
	Monthly	$3,587	$3,930	$5,232	$6,518	$7,643
	Yearly	$43,066	$47,169	$62,780	$78,235	$91,735
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$24.14	$33.49	$45.57	$56.56	$63.20
	Monthly	$4,183	$5,804	$7,897	$9,802	$10,953
	Yearly	$50,221	$69,675	$94,794	$117,647	$131,451
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$16.33	$19.46	$24.87	$30.42	$36.41
	Monthly	$2,830	$3,372	$4,310	$5,272	$6,310
	Yearly	$33,972	$40,487	$51,717	$63,267	$75,730
Vancouver	Hourly	$20.23	$25.43	$30.97	$43.34	$52.04
	Monthly	$3,506	$4,407	$5,367	$7,511	$9,019
	Yearly	$42,063	$52,875	$64,420	$90,152	$108,243
United States	Hourly	$17.63	$22.27	$28.88	$37.59	$47.71
	Monthly	$3,055	$3,859	$5,005	$6,514	$8,268
	Yearly	$36,660	$46,330	$60,070	$78,200	$99,240

Mechanical drafters (SOC 17-3013)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$20.40	$27.41	$38.23	$50.36	$59.83
	Monthly	$3,535	$4,750	$6,625	$8,727	$10,369
	Yearly	$42,420	$57,010	$79,510	$104,740	$124,440
Bellingham	Hourly	$16.49	$20.63	$25.03	$34.75	$39.99
	Monthly	$2,858	$3,575	$4,338	$6,022	$6,930
	Yearly	$34,306	$42,923	$52,053	$72,296	$83,180
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$20.36	$23.31	$27.05	$30.16	$35.31
	Monthly	$3,528	$4,040	$4,688	$5,227	$6,119
	Yearly	$42,346	$48,482	$56,277	$62,724	$73,444
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$15.82	$18.28	$23.32	$34.82	$42.96
	Monthly	$2,742	$3,168	$4,041	$6,034	$7,445
	Yearly	$32,905	$38,032	$48,509	$72,425	$89,351
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$20.81	$23.26	$27.92	$34.16	$40.43
	Monthly	$3,606	$4,031	$4,839	$5,920	$7,007
	Yearly	$43,277	$48,377	$58,077	$71,057	$84,105
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$26.38	$33.90	$44.72	$54.75	$62.24
	Monthly	$4,572	$5,875	$7,750	$9,488	$10,786
	Yearly	$54,864	$70,503	$93,007	$113,880	$129,446
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$15.71	$17.14	$19.45	$24.21	$29.05
	Monthly	$2,723	$2,970	$3,371	$4,196	$5,034
	Yearly	$32,668	$35,666	$40,455	$50,368	$60,417
Vancouver	Hourly	$17.67	$22.37	$28.48	$35.65	$43.42
	Monthly	$3,062	$3,877	$4,936	$6,178	$7,525
	Yearly	$36,762	$46,538	$59,228	$74,160	$90,327
Walla Walla	Hourly	$16.37	$18.40	$21.36	$24.07	$28.25
	Monthly	$2,837	$3,189	$3,702	$4,171	$4,896
	Yearly	$34,043	$38,286	$44,413	$50,079	$58,764
Yakima	Hourly	$18.32	$24.43	$29.29	$40.40	$71.20
	Monthly	$3,175	$4,234	$5,076	$7,001	$12,339
	Yearly	$38,106	$50,816	$60,935	$84,045	$148,083
United States	Hourly	$17.17	$21.26	$26.89	$33.75	$42.44
	Monthly	$2,976	$3,684	$4,660	$5,849	$7,355
	Yearly	$35,720	$44,230	$55,920	$70,190	$88,280

Wages for drafters vary by the area of specialization.

Drafters who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, a retirement plan, and paid vacations.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Architectural and Civil Drafters (SOC 17-3011)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,215	7.9%	16.1%	228
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	35	0.0%	13.4%	3
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	15	6.7%	8.6%	1
Benton and Franklin Counties	100	15.0%	15.0%	12
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	156	0.6%	11.9%	13
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	113	8.0%	15.2%	12
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	85	29.4%	14.1%	13
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	94	6.4%	14.6%	9
King County	1,269	8.6%	19.6%	132
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	48	8.3%	13.8%	5
Pierce County	111	9.0%	15.2%	12
Snohomish County	106	22.6%	12.4%	14
Spokane County	176	4.5%	13.9%	16
United States	101,200	1.8%	5.2%	10,700

Electrical and Electronics Drafters (SOC 17-3012)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	873	3.8%	16.1%	81
Benton and Franklin Counties	25	4.0%	15.0%	2
King County	328	7.6%	19.6%	34
Pierce County	21	14.3%	15.2%	2
Snohomish County	353	-1.4%	12.4%	28
Spokane County	25	12.0%	13.9%	2
United States	25,600	3.5%	5.2%	2,800

Mechanical Drafters (SOC 17-3013)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,212	4.5%	16.1%	209
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	22	9.1%	13.4%	2
Benton and Franklin Counties	27	14.8%	15.0%	3
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	36	13.9%	11.9%	4
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	70	8.6%	15.2%	7
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	36	11.1%	14.1%	4
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	103	1.9%	14.6%	9
King County	724	6.4%	19.6%	72
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	14	14.3%	13.8%	1
Pierce County	104	11.5%	15.2%	12
Snohomish County	797	-2.8%	12.4%	61
Spokane County	117	12.0%	13.9%	13
United States	58,000	-6.9%	5.2%	5,400

National employment

Major employers:

Engineering and architectural firms
Construction companies
Machinery manufacturers

National outlook

Job growth is expected to show little to no change for drafters. As architects and engineers become more familiar with CAD programs, less work is available for drafters. Growth for mechanical drafters will vary depending on the economy.

Competition is strong for all types of drafters. More people are graduating from training programs and exceed the number of job openings. Job prospects are best for people with formal training and certifications.

Other resources

American Institute of Building Design
7059 Blair Road NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20012
800.366.2423
202.750.4900

SAE International
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

References

Career cluster

Architecture and Construction

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zones

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.