Also called: Mechanical Drafter, Design Drafter
Turns engineers' ideas into detailed 3D models and drawings that factories use to build parts.
You spend the day in CAD software modeling a bracket down to the thousandth of an inch, then add the notes a machinist needs. You check that your part doesn't crash into a wire bundle someone else designed.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree or certificate in drafting/CAD; many learn on the job.
Ways in: 2-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Drafting and Design Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Shrinking (about -3% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Generative design and AI drawing tools turn models into drawings automatically, so fewer CAD designer jobs.
Classes: Drafting or CAD, Geometry, Physics, Computer science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3013.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.