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What do they do?

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

Also known as:

CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer), CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter), CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator), CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator), CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician), CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist), Design Drafter, Detail Drafter, Die Designer, Drafter, Drafting Technician (Drafting Tech), Installation Drafter, Mechanical Designer, Mold Designer, Tool Design Drafter, Tool Designer, Tooling Designer

Typical Wages

Projected Growth Rate

Employment of Mechanical Drafters is projected to Decline 8 percent from 2024 to 2034

Projected Employment in OH

No Data Available
  • -8.6%

    Change

    Ranks #57 in job growth rate
    170

    Job Openings

    Ranks #5 in net job growth

Colleges with the most graduates that become Mechanical Drafters

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Education Level

Percent of workers in this field with these degrees:

  • Associate's degree  (34%)
  • Some college, no degree  (26%)
  • Bachelor's degree  (22%)
  • High school diploma equivalent  (11%)
  • Master's degree  (3%)
  • Less than high school diploma  (2%)
  • Doctorate or Professional Degree  (1%)

Typical College Majors

Most Popular Majors that prepare Mechanical Drafters

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People in this career often have these skills:

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

People in this career often know a lot about:

  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

People in this career often have talent in:

  • Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

People in this career often do these activities:

  • Create images or other visual displays.
  • Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
  • Verify mathematical calculations.
  • Compile technical information or documentation.
  • Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
  • Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
  • Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
  • Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
  • Discuss designs or plans with clients.
  • Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

This page includes data from:

O*NET OnLine Career data: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (“USDOL/ETA”). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Logo Occupation statistics: USDOL U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics

careeronestop logo Videos: CareerOneStop , USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development

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