Drafters use software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.
Drafters typically do the following:
Some drafters are referred to as CAD operators. Using CAD systems, drafters create and store technical drawings digitally. These drawings contain information on how to build a structure or machine, the dimensions of the project, and what materials are needed to complete the project.
Drafters work with CAD to create schematics that can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into building information modeling (BIM) systems. These systems allow drafters, architects, construction managers, and engineers to create and collaborate on digital models of physical buildings and machines. Through three-dimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how different elements in their projects work together.
The following are examples of types of drafters:
Architectural drafters draw structural features and details for buildings and other construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial. They may also specialize by the materials used, such as steel, wood, or reinforced concrete.
Civil drafters prepare topographical maps used in construction and civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and dams.
Electrical drafters prepare wiring diagrams that construction workers use to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in power plants, electrical distribution systems, and residential and commercial buildings.
Electronics drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing and in installing and repairing electronic devices and components.
Mechanical drafters prepare layouts that show the details for a variety of machinery and mechanical tools and devices, such as medical equipment. These layouts indicate dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements for assembly. Mechanical drafters sometimes create production molds.
Drafters held about 192,200 jobs in 2021. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up drafters was distributed as follows:
| Architectural and civil drafters | 105,400 |
| Mechanical drafters | 49,400 |
| Electrical and electronics drafters | 21,500 |
| Drafters, all other | 15,900 |
The largest employers of drafters were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 49% |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
| Construction | 11 |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 4 |
Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites to collaborate with architects and engineers.
Most drafters work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week.
Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma.
Drafters typically need an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree from a community college or technical school. Some drafters prepare for the occupation by earning a certificate or diploma.
Programs in drafting may include instruction in design fundamentals, sketching, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. It generally takes about 2 years of full-time education to earn an associate’s degree. Certificate and diploma programs vary in length but usually may be completed in less time.
Students frequently specialize in a particular type of drafting, such as mechanical or architectural drafting.
High school students may begin preparing by taking classes in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, where available, drafting.
The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers certification for drafters. Although not mandatory, certification demonstrates competence and knowledge of nationally recognized practices. Certifications are offered for several specialties, including architectural, civil, and mechanical drafting.
Creativity. Drafters must be able to turn plans and ideas into technical drawings of buildings, tools, and systems.
Detail oriented. Drafters must take care that the plans they convert are technically accurate according to the outlined specifications.
Interpersonal skills. Drafters work closely with architects, engineers, and other designers to make sure that final plans are accurate. This requires the ability to communicate effectively and work well with others.
Math skills. Drafters work on technical drawings. They may be required to calculate angles, weights, costs, and other values.
Technical skills. Drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such as CAD, and work with database tools, such as building information modeling (BIM).
Time-management skills. Drafters often work under deadline. As a result, they must work efficiently to produce the required output according to set schedules.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for drafters was $60,290 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,970.
Median annual wages for drafters in May 2021 were as follows:
| Electrical and electronics drafters | $61,510 |
| Architectural and civil drafters | 60,340 |
| Mechanical drafters | 60,200 |
| Drafters, all other | 54,240 |
In May 2021, the median annual wages for drafters in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | $60,460 |
| Construction | 60,210 |
| Manufacturing | 58,420 |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 49,170 |
Most drafters work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Overall employment of drafters is projected to decline 3 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Despite declining employment, about 18,900 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Expected employment decreases will be driven by the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) technologies. These technologies increase drafter productivity and allow engineers and architects to perform many tasks that used to be done by drafters.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Drafters |
17-3010 | 192,200 | 185,400 | -3 | -6,700 | Get data | |
Architectural and civil drafters |
17-3011 | 105,400 | 104,100 | -1 | -1,300 | Get data | |
Electrical and electronics drafters |
17-3012 | 21,500 | 21,500 | 0 | 0 | Get data | |
Mechanical drafters |
17-3013 | 49,400 | 45,200 | -9 | -4,200 | Get data | |
Drafters, all other |
17-3019 | 15,900 | 14,700 | -8 | -1,200 | Get data | |
For more information on schools offering programs in drafting and related fields, visit
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
For more information on certification, visit
American Design Drafting Association
Career Outlook: "You're a what? CAD designer"
Architectural and Civil Drafters