### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Drafters Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			drafters imageDrafters take designs from engineers and architects and convert them into plans needed for construction.							
						Quick Facts:     Drafters2023     Median Pay
            						$62,530     per year
										$30.06     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Associate's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    197,300Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    -2% (Decline)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -4,300What Drafters Do
                                                
                        
                        
Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Drafter
                                                
                        
Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for drafters was $62,530 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of drafters is projected to decline							 2 percent from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite declining  employment, about 16,600 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drafters.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Drafters Do 
            

			DraftersDrafters prepare technical drawings and plans.			
Drafters use software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.
Duties
Drafters typically do the following:
Design plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software
Work from rough sketches and specifications created by engineers and architects
Design products with engineering and manufacturing techniques
Add details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques
Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new products
Work under the supervision of engineers or architectsSome drafters are referred to as *CAD operators*. Using CAD systems, drafters create and store technical drawings digitally. These drawings contain information on how to build a structure or machine, the dimensions of the project, and what materials are needed to complete the project.
Drafters work with CAD to create schematics that can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into building information modeling (BIM) systems. These systems allow drafters, architects, construction managers, and engineers to create and collaborate on digital models of physical buildings and machines. Through three-dimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how different elements in their projects work together.
The following are examples of types of drafters:
***Architectural drafters*** draw structural features and details for buildings and other construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial. They may also specialize by the materials used, such as steel, wood, or reinforced concrete.
***Civil drafters*** prepare topographical maps used in construction and civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and dams.
***Electrical drafters*** prepare wiring diagrams that construction workers use to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in power plants, electrical distribution systems, and residential and commercial buildings.
***Electronics drafters*** produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing and in installing and repairing electronic devices and components.
***Mechanical drafters*** prepare layouts that show the details for a variety of machinery and mechanical tools and devices, such as medical equipment. These layouts indicate dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements for assembly. Mechanical drafters sometimes create production molds.
 Work Environment
			DraftersDrafters spend much of their time working on computers using specialized software in an office.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Drafters held about 197,300 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up drafters was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Architectural and civil drafters
                107,100Mechanical drafters
                49,600Electrical and electronics drafters
                21,800Drafters, all other
                18,700The largest employers of drafters were as follows:
        Architectural, engineering, and related services
                49%Manufacturing
                23Construction
                11Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
                3Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites to collaborate with architects and engineers.
Work Schedules
Most drafters work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week.
 How to Become a Drafter

			DraftersDrafters generally need to complete postsecondary education in drafting.			
Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma.
Education
Drafters typically need an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree from a community college or technical school. Some drafters prepare for the occupation by earning a certificate or diploma.
Programs in drafting may include instruction in design fundamentals, sketching, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. It generally takes about 2 years of full-time education to earn an associate’s degree. Certificate and diploma programs vary in length but usually may be completed in less time.
Students frequently specialize in a particular type of drafting, such as mechanical or architectural drafting.
High school students may begin preparing by taking classes in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, where available, drafting.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers certification for drafters. Although not mandatory, certification demonstrates competence and knowledge of nationally recognized practices. Certifications are offered for several specialties, including architectural, civil, and mechanical drafting.
Important Qualities
***Creativity*.** Drafters must be able to turn plans and ideas into technical drawings of buildings, tools, and systems.
***Detail oriented*.** Drafters must take care that the plans they convert are technically accurate according to the outlined specifications.
***Interpersonal skills*.**Drafters work closely with architects, engineers, and other designers to make sure that final plans are accurate. This requires the ability to communicate effectively and work well with others.
***Math skills*.** Drafters work on technical drawings. They may be required to calculate angles, weights, costs, and other values.
***Technical skills*.** Drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such as CAD, and work with database tools, such as building information modeling (BIM).
***Time-management skills*.** Drafters often work under deadline. As a result, they must work efficiently to produce the required output according to set schedules.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                DraftersMedian annual wages, May 2023Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians$63,100  Drafters$62,530  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for drafters was $62,530 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,730.

			
                    	Median annual wages for drafters in May 2023 were as follows:
        Electrical and electronics drafters
		$69,260Mechanical drafters
		64,060Architectural and civil drafters
		61,820Drafters, all other
		59,260In May 2023, the median annual wages for drafters in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Construction
                $63,200Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
                62,910Architectural, engineering, and related services
                62,280Manufacturing
                61,340Most drafters work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                DraftersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians1%  Drafters-2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of drafters is projected to decline				 2 percent from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite declining  employment, about 16,600 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Expected employment decreases will be driven by the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) technologies. These technologies increase drafter productivity and allow engineers and architects to perform many tasks that used to be done by drafters.
			

                        Employment projections data for     drafters, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Drafters**
			17-3010
			197,300
			193,000
			-2
			-4,300
			Get data**Architectural and civil drafters**
			17-3011
			107,100
			107,700
			1
			600
			Get data**Electrical and electronics drafters**
			17-3012
			21,800
			22,000
			1
			200
			Get data**Mechanical drafters**
			17-3013
			49,600
			46,000
			-7
			-3,600
			Get data**Drafters, all other**
			17-3019
			18,700
			17,300
			-8
			-1,500
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Architectural and civil drafters
					Drafters, all other
					Electrical and electronics drafters
					Mechanical drafters **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of drafters. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Architects**
            Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.
            Bachelor's degree
            $93,310**Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians**
            Civil engineering technologists and technicians help civil engineers plan, design, and build infrastructure and development projects.
            Associate's degree
            $60,700**Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians**
            Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help engineers design and develop equipment that is powered by electricity or electric current.
            Associate's degree
            $72,800**Electrical and Electronics Engineers**
            Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
            Bachelor's degree
            $109,010**Industrial Designers**
            Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $76,250**Landscape Architects**
            Landscape architects design parks and other outdoor spaces.
            Bachelor's degree
            $79,320**Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians**
            Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices.
            Associate's degree
            $64,020**Mechanical Engineers**
            Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,510**Surveying and Mapping Technicians**
            Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,940**Surveyors**
            Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries.
            Bachelor's degree
            $68,540
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information on schools offering programs in drafting and related fields, visit
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
For more information on certification, visit
American Design Drafting Association
Related BLS Articles
Career Outlook: "You're a *what*? CAD designer"

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Architectural and Civil DraftersDrafters, All OtherElectrical and Electronics DraftersMechanical Drafters
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Drafters, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/drafters.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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