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Mechanical Drafters
Mechanical Drafters prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Table of Contents
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.
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Salary
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
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 |
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
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
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.
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Related career information
Mechanical Drafters job description, Mechanical Drafters salary, Mechanical Drafters information, what is the job of a Mechanical Drafter like, pros and cons about Mechanical Drafters, colleges and universities for Mechanical Drafters, is Mechanical Drafters the right career for me, careers in Architecture and Engineering
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