Mechanical Drafters
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Common Job Titles
- Design Drafter
- Drafter
- Mechanical Designer
- Mechanical Drafter
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices using CAD software including dimensions, fastening methods, and engineering specifications to engineering standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply mathematical and geometric principles to technical drawings ensuring accuracy in dimensioning, scaling, and spatial relationships.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate computer-aided design software including AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Inventor to produce three-dimensional models and two-dimensional drawings.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate technical drawings for compliance with industry standards and design specifications performing quality control checks before release to manufacturing.Proficient
- KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of mechanical systems, physics principles, and production processes when creating technically accurate and manufacturable drawings.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze engineering specifications and design requirements to translate conceptual designs into detailed mechanical drawings.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret engineering sketches, design concepts, and physical prototypes collaborating with engineers and designers to clarify technical details.Developing
- KnowledgeIllustrate mechanical assemblies with exploded views and bill of materials supporting manufacturing and assembly processes.Developing
- MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary engineering teams to clarify design intent and resolve technical conflicts through active listening and communication.Developing
- KnowledgeCompute dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications using measurement tools and engineering calculations to ensure fit and function.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Mechanical Drafters (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
39,900
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $46,500. 25th percentile: U.S. $56,470. 50th percentile: U.S. $68,510. 75th percentile: U.S. $85,580. 90th percentile: U.S. $107,600. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $46,500 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $107,600 |
| Workers on average earn | $74,040 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Design4.8/5
- Engineering and Technology4.7/5
- Mechanical4.5/5
- Mathematics4.4/5
- English Language3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe After Effects
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley MicroStation
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
Technology Skills
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- Adobe LiveMotion
- Autodesk Inventor
- Autodesk Mechanical
- Bentley Navigator
- Bill of materials software
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
Tools & Equipment
- Architects' scales
- Backlit digitizers
- Compasses
- Computer aided design CAD multi-unit display graphics cards
- Cutting plotters
- Desktop computers
- Electronic scales
- Estimating keypads