Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
The type and quality of postsecondary drafting programs vary considerably; prospective students should be careful in selecting a program. Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average. Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of postsecondary training in drafting and considerable skill and experience using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems. Demand for drafters varies by specialty and depends on the needs of local industry, particularly architectural and engineering services and manufacturing.
On average, Mechanical Drafters earn $ 43,700 per year.
Job Opportunities for Mechanical Drafters are expected to:
Increase slower than average.
Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans, which are used to build everything from manufactured products such as toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft to structures such as houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines.
High school courses in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, where available, drafting are useful for people considering a drafting career. Employers prefer applicants who have also completed training after high school at a technical institute, community college, or 4-year college or university. The kind and quality of drafting training programs vary considerably so prospective students should be careful in selecting a program.
Drafters held about 253,000 jobs in 2006. Architectural and civil drafters held 46 percent of all jobs for drafters, mechanical drafters held about 31 percent, and electrical and electronics drafters held about 14 percent.
