What Do Mechanical Drafter Do?

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

A Day in the Life of a Mechanical Drafter

• Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
• Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
• Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
• Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
• Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.

Qualities of a Mechanical Drafter

Mechanical Drafters state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Mechanical Drafter Jobs

• Mold Designer
• Designer
• CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman)
• Technical Designer
• Mechanical Design Technician

Job Outlook for Mechanical Drafters

In the United States, there were 64,800 jobs for Mechanical Drafter in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,400 new jobs for Mechanical Drafter by 2026. The BLS estimates 5,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Drafter are Nevada, Connecticut, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Mechanical Drafter Salary

The average yearly salary of a Mechanical Drafter ranges between $35,720 and $88,280.

Mechanical Drafters who work in Washington, New Mexico, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mechanical Drafters in different U.S. states.

Tools & Technologies Used by Mechanical Drafters

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mechanical Drafters:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Access
• SAP
• Microsoft Project
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Extensible markup language XML
• Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
• Bentley Microstation
• PTC Creo Parametric
• Autodesk Revit
• Trimble SketchUp Pro
• Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
• Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
• Document management system software
• Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects

How do I Become a Mechanical Drafter?

Education needed to be a Mechanical Drafter:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Mechanical Drafters Are Employed

Mechanical Drafters work in the following industries:

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.