Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Mechanical Drafters
SOC: 17-3013 O*NET: 17-3013.00
Median Salary
$68,510
per year
Job Growth
📉 -6.5%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
What does a Mechanical Drafters do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,500
10th percentile
Early Career
$56,470
25th percentile
Median
$68,510
50th percentile
Experienced
$85,580
75th percentile
Top Earners
$107,600
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,500
25th
$56,470
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$68,510
Mean: $74,040
75th
$85,580
90th
$107,600
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $61,100 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $56,470 and $85,580
- •Salary spread is 42.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 39,900 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:42,900
Top Industries
Manufacturing52.5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services23.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services23.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-6.5%
Annual Openings:3,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)42,900
Current
2034 (Projected)40,100
-6.5%
-2,800
Employment Change
-6.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Mechanical Drafters professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
Texas
3,460 jobs$76,7400.96x
California
3,360 jobs$80,4300.72x
Ohio
2,130 jobs$66,2901.49x
Pennsylvania
2,070 jobs$66,1701.33x
New York
2,030 jobs$69,4400.82x
Wisconsin
2,010 jobs$61,9602.65x
Florida
1,970 jobs$62,3600.77x
Michigan
1,720 jobs$74,3901.51x
Washington
1,600 jobs$75,1901.75x
Indiana
1,590 jobs$62,2401.93x
Minnesota
1,450 jobs$73,1401.91x
Tennessee
1,250 jobs$64,1801.47x
North Carolina
850 jobs$61,9900.67x
Massachusetts
840 jobs$71,6100.89x
Missouri
820 jobs$66,7401.09x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Learning
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Mathematics
80%
#5
Reading Comprehension
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Writing
54%
#9
Monitoring
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Learning
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Mathematics
intermediate4.0
80%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Writing
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Learning
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Writing
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Precision Agriculture Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Environmental Economists100%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Writing
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Learning
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Mechanical Drafters
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe After Effects
🔥 Hot TechTrimble SketchUp Pro
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
SAP software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Adobe After Effects
Trimble SketchUp Pro
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
15
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (8)Training & Development (1)General Responsibilities (5)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development88% perform92%
6
Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •47% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Mechanical Drafters
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Mechanical Drafters professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Mechanical Drafters
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.84
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.34
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.23
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.20
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.16
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.05
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Integrity
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Cooperation
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Self-Control
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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