Mechanical Drafter

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love transforming ideas into precise mechanical designs.
Contribute to innovations by crafting essential components for various industries.
Use cutting-edge CAD software to bring complex machinery to life.

💰 Earn $63K-$98K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -4.9% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

4,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$78,610 in California

$64,060 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

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$125K

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$175K

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$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Mechanical Drafter? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@tamer

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Job security

Deep Dive

Mechanical Drafter

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years