Mechanical Drafters

Pay and outlook

Median annual wage, May 2025

$71,550

Half earn more, half earn less

Middle half earn

$58,080 – $86,120

25th to 75th percentile

People employed, May 2025

39,960

Wage and salary jobs (OEWS)

Projected change, 2025–35

-6%

Shrinking (below 0%)

Openings a year (projected)

2,900

New jobs plus replacing people who leave

Typical education to enter

Associate's degree

BLS

• All figures are for the United States as a whole. Pay varies a lot by state and city.
• Wages are for everyone working in the occupation in May 2025, at every career stage. They are not starting salaries or figures for new graduates.
• Growth and openings are BLS projections for 2025–35. They are estimates, not promises. Openings include jobs that open up when people retire or change occupation, not just new jobs.

What the work involves

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

Main tasks

• Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
• Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
• Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
• Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
• Create bills of materials.
• 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.

Description and tasks from the O*NET® 31.0 Database.

Getting in

Typical education to enter (BLS)

Associate's degree

O*NET Job Zone 3

Medium preparation

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Fields of study that lead here

From the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk, which links 7 programmes to this occupation. A link means the programme prepares people for this kind of work. It doesn't mean the programme is required, or that it's the only route.

Related careers

Related occupations from the O*NET database, in its order.

• Electrical and Electronics Drafters

  $76,870 median · -3.4% projected

• Architectural and Civil Drafters

  $66,150 median · +5.2% projected

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

  $74,510 median · +1.3% projected

• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

  $63,340 median · -17.3% projected

• Commercial and Industrial Designers

  $83,910 median · +2.4% projected

• Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

  $63,870 median · -3.4% projected