Mechanical Drafters: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Mechanical Drafters

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

Salary
$61490
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

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

  • 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.
Read more about what does a Mechanical Drafter really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$59010 per year

Average hourly wage
$28 per hour


Mechanical Drafters with little to no experience tend to make between $35720 and $44230 while the more experienced ones can earn over $70190 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
WA $39 $81,180
AK $35 $72,880
NM $34 $69,930
NJ $33 $68,200
CT $32 $66,590

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Mechanical Drafter is to move to a higher paying state like WA. Right now, the highest paying states for Mechanical Drafters are WA, AK, NM, NJ and CT.

However, a higher pay at WA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at WA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Mechanical Drafter is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Associate’s degree

We asked other Mechanical Drafters what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had an Associate’s Degree followed by a Bachelor’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD
Read more about how to become a Mechanical Drafter and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Mechanical Drafter.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Demand for this career is declining

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
69%

Is this job meaningful
53%


69% of Mechanical Drafters said they were satisfied with their job and 53% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Thinkers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.



Learn more about Mechanical Drafters

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Job Description
Salary
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Quiz

Related career information

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