Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

SOC: 17-3012.00

Common Job Titles

  • Computer-Aided Design Operator
  • Drafter
  • Electrical Designer
  • Staking Technician (Staking Tech)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeCreate innovative electrical design solutions and drafting standards incorporating emerging technologies and industry best practices into documentation workflows.
  • Hands-onExecute wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MicroStation for electrical equipment manufacture and installation.
  • KnowledgeApply engineering and technology principles to develop technical specifications and design documentation for electrical systems.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate technical drawings and specifications for compliance with industry standards working independently to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Hands-onOperate computer-aided design software and drafting tools to produce detailed technical documentation and assembly diagrams with precision.
  • KnowledgeOrganize drafting project schedules, priorities, and deliverables managing multiple concurrent projects while meeting production deadlines.
  • KnowledgeAssess design alternatives and drafting methodologies applying critical thinking to recommend improvements in electrical layout efficiency and manufacturability.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze electrical system requirements and design constraints collaborating with engineers and technical teams to determine optimal layout solutions.
  • KnowledgeApply mathematics and physics principles to calculate specifications and verify dimensional accuracy in electrical drafting projects.
  • MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary teams including engineers, designers, and production personnel to clarify design requirements and resolve technical discrepancies.
  • KnowledgeInterpret engineering specifications, sketches, and verbal instructions to translate conceptual designs into detailed technical drawings.
  • MindsetRespect professional quality standards and ethical documentation practices ensuring accuracy, integrity, and safety in all electrical drafting deliverables.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Electrical and Electronics Drafters (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

20,020

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $48,680. 25th percentile: U.S. $58,800. 50th percentile: U.S. $73,720. 75th percentile: U.S. $91,780. 90th percentile: U.S. $110,180. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$48,680
10% of workers earn the following or more$110,180
Workers on average earn$77,960

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Design4.4/5
  • Engineering and Technology4.3/5
  • Computers and Electronics4.2/5
  • English Language3.9/5
  • Mathematics3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word
  • Perl
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX

Technology Skills

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Aveva Group Plant Design Management System PDMS
  • Bentley AutoPLANT
  • Bentley I/RAS B
  • Bentley PlantSpace SupportModeler
  • Bentley Systems ProjectWise
  • Bowen & Groves M1 ERP
  • COADE CADWorx P&ID
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Compasses
  • Desktop computers
  • Dividers
  • Drafting curves
  • Drafting machines
  • Drafting triangles
  • Personal computers
  • Protractors
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment