Also called: CAD Designer, Design Drafter
Creates the precise technical drawings and CAD models that factories use to build products.
They turn a designer's or engineer's ideas into exact 3D models and drawings with dimensions and tolerances. Most of the day is in SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Errors can cost thousands in manufacturing, so precision matters.
Based on BLS mechanical drafters, May 2024 estimates.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree or certificate in drafting or CAD technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, Trade school, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Drafting & Design Technology, CAD Technology.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). Drafting jobs are expected to decline slightly as CAD software becomes more automated.
High risk for 10 years. Generative design and CAD automation take over routine drawings, while engineers draft more themselves.
Classes: Drafting or engineering CAD CTE, Geometry, Physics.
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.