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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

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to drafters.

Common work activities

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, drafters:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Drafters frequently:

It is important for drafters to be able to:

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

Skills and abilities

Drafters need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Perceive and visualize

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

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a drafter, you typically need to:

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:

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
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
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
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)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
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)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
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)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
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:

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 (external link)
7059 Blair Road NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20012
800.366.2423
202.750.4900
SAE International (external link)
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096
Technology Student Association (external link)
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupations

O*Net job zones (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem