Career Information: Drafter

How do you get ready?    

Employers like to hire people who have training in drafting after high school. You can get training at trade schools, community colleges, and some 4-year colleges.

It is important to check the quality of a school before you choose it. For example, check for math and computer classes. Also, find out about the kinds of jobs that graduates get.

Drafters need skills in math, science, and drawing. It is also important to know how to use computers and CADD systems. Being good at teamwork and problem solving also helps.

How much does this job pay?   

The middle half of all architectural and civil drafters earned between $33,550 and $52,220 in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $27,010. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $63,310.

The middle half of all mechanical drafters earned between $34,680 and $55,130. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $28,230. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $67,860.

The middle half of all electrical and electronics drafters earned between $36,660 and $60,160. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $29,290. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $74,490.

How many jobs are there?    

Drafters held about 253,000 jobs in 2006. Architectural and civil drafters had the most jobs. Mechanical drafters had the second most.

What about the future?    

Drafting jobs are expected to grow more slowly than the average for all jobs through 2016. People with at least 2 years of training have the best chance of getting a job.

Are there other jobs like this?   

• Architects
• Cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians
• Designers
• Civil Engineers
• Engineering technicians
• Landscape architects
• Science technicians
• Surveyors

Where can you find more information?

More BLS information about drafters can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.