altPath is a free tool to find your ideal career path

Mechanical Drafter

Mechanical Drafter

  • Ideal for those who love transforming ideas into precise mechanical designs.
  • Contribute to innovations by crafting essential components for various industries.
  • Use cutting-edge CAD software to bring complex machinery to life.
💰 Earn $63K-$98K
📚 Associate Degree

Overview

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

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

4,000 in Total

Earnings

$78,610 Med. in CA

$0

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Day-to-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.
  • 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.

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
  • Thinking and problem solving

You are skilled in 💫

  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving

You value 🙏

  • Having support
  • Job security
  • Accomplishing things
  • Support
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

In Action

Want to see what it's like to be a Mechanical Drafter? We've curated a playlist for you to explore.

Mechanical Drafter

This short video gives an overview of what this career is all about.

Want to see what else is possible? Search through more paths with altPath Discover.

Discover More