Occupations/17-3013.00
Mechanical Drafters
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.
AI automation risk
75%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
36%
Fewer uniquely human demands
Task orientation
64%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
- Mostly routine
Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
- Task
Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- 02Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- 03Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
- 04Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
- 05Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
- 06Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.54
- Degree of automation1.88
- Time sitting4.40
- Originality (ability)3.25
- Conflict situations2.40
- Hands-on objects/tools3.07
- Outdoors / weather1.13
- Disease exposure1.00
- Decision freedom4.45
Top abilities
- Near Vision3.75
- Visualization3.50
- Mathematical Reasoning3.50
- Written Expression3.25
- Speech Recognition3.25
- Speech Clarity3.25
- Selective Attention3.25
- Originality3.25
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.25
- Active Listening3.25
- Writing3.00
- Speaking3.12
- Mathematics3.25
- Science1.88
- Critical Thinking3.25
- Active Learning3.25
- Learning Strategies2.88
- Monitoring3.00
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 27 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College Chicago, IL · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $4,600 | 100% | 27% | 1 yr — 2 yr $94,408 Master's · CIP 15.08 |
Marquette University Milwaukee, WI · Private nonprofit | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $48,800 | 87% | 85% | 1 yr $75,204 2 yr $74,200 Bachelor's · CIP 15.08 |
Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $10,000 | 53% | 83% | 1 yr $65,424 2 yr $59,756 Bachelor's · CIP 15.08 |
Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $12,000 | 90% | 69% | 1 yr $62,260 2 yr $55,512 Bachelor's · CIP 15.08 |
Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, MN · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $9,700 | 71% | 62% | 1 yr $60,839 2 yr $56,544 Bachelor's · CIP 15.08 |
Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $5,200 | 100% | 21% | 1 yr $58,303 2 yr $54,585 Bachelor's · CIP 15.08 |
Houston Community College Houston, TX · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $4,300 | 100% | 24% | 1 yr $57,826 2 yr $53,671 Bachelor's · CIP 15.08 |
California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $7,100 | 40% | 74% | 1 yr $53,775 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 15.08 |
Saint Paul College St. Paul, MN · Public | Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General 15.1301 | $6,100 | 100% | 29% | 1 yr — 2 yr $52,107 Associate · CIP 15.13 |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public | Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician 15.0801 | $19,600 | 55% | 86% | 1 yr $50,439 2 yr $45,696 Associate · CIP 15.08 |
Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN · Public | Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General 15.1301 | $5,900 | 100% | 28% | 1 yr — 2 yr $48,823 Certificate · CIP 15.13 |
Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC · Public | Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General 15.1301 | $2,900 | 100% | 31% | 1 yr $47,650 2 yr $45,277 Bachelor's · CIP 15.13 |
