Drafters : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Drafters take designs from professionals such as engineers and architects, and convert them into plans needed for construction.

Quick Facts: Drafters
2010 Median Pay	$47,880 per year $23.02 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Associate’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	205,100
Job Outlook, 2010-20	6% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	11,400

What Drafters Do

Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings and plans. Workers in production and construction use these plans to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

Work Environment

Like other workers who primarily use computers to do their work, drafters usually work indoors and full time, although overtime is not uncommon.

How to Become a Drafter

Developments in new technology are causing entry-level requirements to rise. An associate’s degree is the typical level of education needed to enter the occupation. In addition, drafters need skills from academic programs so that they may move into the work of designing directly for professionals such as engineers or architects.

Pay

The median annual wage of drafters was $47,880 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of drafters is expected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Developments in software programs used by drafters and other professionals they work with are changing the nature of drafters’ work and how this work will have to be done.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations.

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What Drafters Do About this section

Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans.

Duties

Drafters typically do the following:

Design and prepare plans for using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software
Produce effective product designs by using their understanding of engineering and manufacturing techniques
Add structural details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques
Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineers and architects
Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new building projects or products
Work under the supervision of engineers or architects

Many drafters are referred to as CADD operators. With CADD systems, drafters create and store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. New software systems, such as building information modeling (BIM) and product data management (PDM), are coming into use. Through three-dimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how elements in their projects work together. PDM software helps users track and control data, such as technical specifications, related to projects. Just as BIM is changing the work of architectural drafters as well as engineers and designers, PDM is changing the work of mechanical drafters. These software systems allow drafting and design work to be done at the same time as the work done by other professionals involved in the project.

There are several kinds of drafters, and the most common types of drafters are the following:

Aeronautical drafters prepare engineering drawings that show detailed plans and specifications used in manufacturing aircraft, missiles, and related parts.

Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings for new construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial. They may also specialize in materials, such as steel, wood, and reinforced concrete.

Civil drafters prepare topographical maps used in major construction or civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and flood-control projects.

Electrical drafters prepare wiring diagrams that other workers use to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in powerplants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.

Electronics drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing, installing, and repairing electronic devices and components.

Mechanical drafters prepare layouts that show details for a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices. These layouts indicate dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements needed for assembly.

Process piping or pipeline drafters prepare plans used in the layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants, and process piping systems.

Work Environment About this section

Drafters use computer software to do their work.

Drafters held about 205,100 jobs in 2010. They work in engineering and drafting service firms, architectural and landscape architectural firms, and various manufacturing industries. The industries employing the largest numbers of drafters in 2010 were as follows:

Architectural, engineering, and related services	50%
Construction	7
Machinery manufacturing	6
Fabricated metal product manufacturing	5
Transportation equipment manufacturing	5

Like other workers who primarily use computers to do their work, drafters usually work indoors and full time, although overtime is not uncommon.

How to Become a Drafter About this section

Drafters add structural details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques.

Drafters usually need some postsecondary education, such as an associate’s degree, to enter the occupation.

Education

Employers prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary education in drafting, typically an associate’s degree from a technical institute or community college. Drafters who specialize in architecture may need a higher degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. To prepare for postsecondary education, high school courses in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, where available, drafting, are useful.

Technical institutes offer focused technical education in topics such as design fundamentals, sketching, and CADD software. They award certificates or diplomas, and programs vary considerably in length and in the types of courses offered. Many technical institutes also offer associate’s degree programs.

Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes but typically include more classes in drafting theory and often require general education classes. Courses taken at community colleges are more likely to be accepted for credit at colleges or universities. After completing an associate’s degree program, graduates may get jobs as drafters or continue their education in a related field at a 4-year college. Most 4-year colleges do not offer training in drafting, but they do offer classes in engineering, architecture, and mathematics that are useful for obtaining a job as a drafter.

Technical training in the military also can be applied in civilian drafting jobs. Some additional training may be necessary, depending on the technical area or military specialty.

Important Qualities

Critical-thinking skills. Drafters help the architects and engineers they work for by spotting problems with plans and designs.

Detail oriented. Drafters must pay attention to details so that the plans they are helping to build are technically accurate to all detailed specifications.

Interpersonal skills. Drafters must work closely with architects, engineers, and other designers to make sure that final plans are accurate. This requires the ability to take advice and constructive criticism, as well as to offer it.

Technical skills. Drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such as CADD, and to work with database tools, such as BIM.

Time-management skills. Drafters often work under deadlines. They must be able to produce their output according to set schedules and so must plan their time well.

Certification

The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers a certification program for drafters. Although employers usually do not require drafters to be certified, certification shows drafters’ knowledge and an understanding of nationally recognized practices. The test does not cover software, which is specific to CADD or graphic production

Pay About this section

Drafters

Median annual wages, May 2010

Drafters, Engineering Technicians, and Mapping Technicians: $49,600
Drafters: $47,880
Total, All Occupations: $33,840

The median annual wage of drafters was $47,880 in May 2010. 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 $30,950, and the top 10 percent earned more than $74,820.

The median wages for detailed drafting occupations in May 2010 were as follows:

$53,020 for architectural and civil drafters
$48,810 for mechanical drafters
$46,430 for electrical and electronics drafters
$45,100 for drafters, all other

Job Outlook About this section

Drafters

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Total, All Occupations: 14%
Drafters, Engineering Technicians, and Mapping Technicians: 6%
Drafters: 6%

Overall, employment of all drafters is expected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. However, growth will vary by specialty.

Work from construction projects will likely continue to create demand for architectural and civil drafters, and because this work should be kept in the United States, employment is expected to grow by 3 percent, slower than average growth. Because new technology reduces costs, architectural and civil drafters who can master new software programs, such as BIM and PDM, also should find opportunities in various industries

Employment of mechanical drafters is expected to experience about as fast as average growth, and electronic and electrical drafters is expected to experience slower than average growth from 2010 to 2020. Most of these workers are employed in declining or slow-growing manufacturing industries, offering few opportunities for growth from industry expansion. Demand for mechanical and electrical and electronic drafters is expected to be notably high in engineering and drafting service firms because of more complex problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes.

CADD systems that are easier to use and more powerful than current systems will allow other technical professionals to perform many tasks previously done only by drafters. This development should curb demand for all specialties. Also, some drafting work may be sent to other countries at lower wages.

Job Prospects

New software, such as PDM and BIM, will require drafters to work in collaboration with other professionals on projects, whether constructing a new building or manufacturing a new product. This new software, however, requires that someone build and maintain large databases. Workers with knowledge of drafting and of the software will be needed to oversee these databases.

Many drafting jobs are in construction and manufacturing, so they are subject to the ups and downs of those industries. Demand for particular drafting specialties varies across the country because jobs depend on the needs of local industries.

Employment projections data for drafters, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Drafters	17-3010	205,100	216,500	6	11,400	[XLS]
Architectural and Civil Drafters	17-3011	92,700	95,700	3	3,000	[XLS]
Electrical and Electronics Drafters	17-3012	29,200	30,800	5	1,600	[XLS]
Mechanical Drafters	17-3013	67,400	74,900	11	7,500	[XLS]
Drafters, All Other	17-3019	15,800	15,200	-4	-600	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of drafters.

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Architects	Architects plan and design buildings and other structures.	Bachelor’s degree	$72,550
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	Cartographers and photogrammetrists measure, analyze, and interpret geographic information to create maps and charts for political, cultural, educational, and other purposes. Cartographers are general mapmakers, and photogrammetrists are specialized mapmakers who use aerial photographs to create maps.	Bachelor’s degree	$54,510
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians	Electrical and electronic engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment.	Associate’s degree	$56,040
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS).	Bachelor’s degree	$87,180
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers	Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install, repair, or replace a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries.	Postsecondary non-degree award	$49,170
Electro-mechanical Technicians	Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems, such as robotic assembly machines.	Associate’s degree	$49,550
Industrial Designers	Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day.	Bachelor’s degree	$58,230
Landscape Architects	Landscape architects plan and design land areas for parks, recreational facilities, highways, airports, and other properties. Projects include subdivisions and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.	Bachelor’s degree	$62,090
Mechanical Engineering Technicians	Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, and other equipment. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.	Associate’s degree	$50,110
Mechanical Engineers	Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines.	Bachelor’s degree	$78,160
Surveying and Mapping Technicians	Surveying and mapping technicians assist surveyors and cartographers in collecting data and making maps of the earth’s surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land. Mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps.	High school diploma or equivalent	$37,900
Surveyors	Surveyors establish official land, airspace, and water boundaries. Surveyors work with civil engineers, landscape architects, and urban and regional planners to develop comprehensive design documents.	Bachelor’s degree	$54,880