How much does a mechanical drafter make?

The median pay is $34.40 per hour — roughly $71,500 a year, with the real range running from about $23.25/hr (10th percentile) to $51.24/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a mechanical drafter?

The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a mechanical drafter actually do all day?

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.

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Mechanical Drafters

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

What it pays
Mechanical Drafters earn a median of $34.40/hr — about $71,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $23.25/hr; the top 10% earn $51.24/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 6.6% of mechanical drafters are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

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Quick questions

How much does a mechanical drafter make?: The median pay is $34.40 per hour — roughly $71,500 a year, with the real range running from about $23.25/hr (10th percentile) to $51.24/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a mechanical drafter?: The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
What does a mechanical drafter actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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