What are Some Common Technical Drafting Professions?
For people looking for a career that balances creativity with precision, a technical drafting position may be a good option. Read on to find out more details regarding some possible career paths, such as civil drafting and electronics drafting, and to learn about educational requirements and job prospects.
Career Options
Technical drafters are responsible for transforming rough sketches, ideas and specifications into well-constructed blueprints. Using both manual and computer-based tools, these professionals create the plans necessary to complete a variety of projects. Some possible technical drafting professions include mechanical drafter, architectural drafter, civil drafter and electronics drafter.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutACareerInDrafting">Important Facts About a Career in Drafting</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Work Environment</td><td>Primarily in the office working on computers, with occasional collaboration with architects and engineers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Specializations</td><td>Construction, manufacturing, architectural, and engineering services</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Creativity, detail-oriented, interpersonal, math, technical, and time-management</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Architects, electrical and electronics engineering technicians, civil engineering technicians, electro-mechanical technicians, industrial designers, and mechanical engineering technicians</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---MechanicalDrafter">Mechanical Drafter</h3><p>Mechanical Drafting involves creating detailed drawings and computer simulations that support the production of a variety of mechanical devices. Such a career involves the use of both computer aided design (CAD) software programs and traditional drafting techniques. These professionals must also be familiar with many manufacturing processes, materials and metallurgy.
</p><h3 id="section---ArchitecturalDrafter">Architectural Drafter</h3><p>Architectural drafters support construction projects by drawing the architectural and structural features of a building. These positions often specialize in a particular type of building, typically residential or commercial. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial. Furthermore, architectural drafters provide expertise in specific materials used, such as steel, wood, or reinforced concrete.
</p><h3 id="section---CivilDrafter">Civil Drafter</h3><p>Creating the topographical and relief maps used in a variety of engineering projects, civil drafters employ both traditional drafting techniques and computer aided design. Employees in this career may be involved with the construction of many civil engineering projects, such as bridges, highways and water control systems. These professionals are also responsible for accurately representing topographical contours and elevations.
</p><h3 id="section---ElectronicsDrafter">Electronics Drafter</h3><p>Working with other engineers to determine the specifications, electronics drafters are responsible for making diagrams of wiring and circuit board assemblies for electronics. They also create layout drawings that others will use when they install or repair equipment. They might also be involved with circuit board testing to make sure the boards work properly.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationAndCertification">Education and Certification</h3><p>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), drafters generally complete a technical program, with an associate's degree being the most common (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Both community colleges and technical institutes have relevant programs, although the BLS notes that technical institutes are more likely to offer diploma and certificate programs in drafting. While you can expect to study computer-aided design and drafting and sketching at either type of institute, the BLS mentions that you can also expect to take general education classes if you choose to attend a community college.
</p><p>You can also choose to pursue optional certification from the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA). For example, you might get certified in mechanical or civil drafting. While you generally won't need drafting certification to find employment, getting certified might help you stand out to employers.
</p><h3 id="section---EmploymentOutlookAndSalary">Employment Outlook and Salary</h3><p>The BLS notes that there will be a decline of 3% in overall drafter employment between 2021 and 2031. Jobs for architectural and civil drafters are projected to decline by 1% from 2021 through 2031, and mechanical drafter employment is also predicted to decline by 9%.
</p><p>According to the BLS, the median annual salary of a mechanical drafter was $60,200 in 2021, while an electronics or electrical drafter made a median wage of $61,510. Architectural and civil drafters earned less, with median annual earnings of $60,340.</p>