CFChooseField
Engineering and Architecture

Mechanical Drafters

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Mechanical Drafters
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Median pay

$68,510
Median annual pay for Mechanical Drafters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-6.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

42,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Mechanical Drafters in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-2,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Mechanical Drafters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Learning
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Design
  2. 2Engineering and Technology
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Physics

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Mathematical Reasoning
  3. 3Visualization
  4. 4Fluency of Ideas
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Thinking Creatively
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Spend Time Sitting

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.

Software and tools

Microsoft Word · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandAutodesk Revit · in demandBentley MicroStation · in demandDassault Systemes SolidWorks · in demandAutodesk Inventor · in demandAutodesk Navisworks · in demandNavisWorks Jetstream · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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