Mechanical Drafters

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

Also called: CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator), CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist), Design Drafter, Die Designer, Drafter, Drafting Technician (Drafting Tech), Mechanical Designer, Tool Design Drafter, Tooling Designer, Aeronautical Drafter, Auto Design Drafter (Automotive Design Drafter), Auto Design Layout Drafter (Automotive Design Layout Drafter), AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer), AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter), AutoCAD Technician (Auto Computer-Aided Design Technician), CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer), CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter), CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter), CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman), CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter), CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator), CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician), CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter), Controls Designer, Design Checker, Detail Drafter, Furniture Detailer, Gage Designer, Installation Drafter, Machine Design Checker, Mechanical Design Drafter, Mechanical Design Technician (Mechanical Design Tech), Mechanical Detailer, Mechanical Draughter, Mechanical Piping Designer, Mold Designer, Patent Drafter, Pattern Drafter, Piping Drafter, Plastic Mold Designer, Technical Designer, Tool and Die Designer, Tool Designer

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
Create bills of materials.
Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.

Skills, machines and equipment

Critical Thinking
Operations Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Mathematics
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Speaking
Writing
Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Time Management

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (44.43% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

58,080–86,120 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-3013.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Build design, analysis, validation, and project experience; explore senior technical specialist, project lead, or engineering-management paths with the required qualifications.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (44.43% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Mechanical Drafters