The type and quality of postsecondary drafting programs vary
considerably; prospective students should be careful in selecting a program.
Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of
postsecondary training in drafting and considerable skill and experience
using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems.
Demand for particular drafting specialties varies geographically,
depending on the needs of local industry.
Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and
construction workers to build everything from manufactured products, such as
toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft, to structures, such as
houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines. Their drawings provide
visual guidelines, show the technical details of the products and structures,
and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical
details, using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes, and calculations
previously made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists. For example,
they use their knowledge of standardized building techniques to draw in the
details of a structure. Some drafters use their knowledge of engineering and
manufacturing theory and standards to draw the parts of a machine in order to
determine design elements, such as the numbers and kinds of fasteners needed to
assemble the machine. Drafters use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and
computers to complete their work.
Traditionally, drafters sat at drawing boards and used pencils, pens,
compasses, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices to prepare a
drawing manually. Most drafters now use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
systems to prepare drawings. Consequently, some drafters are referred to as CADD
operators. CADD systems employ computer workstations to create a drawing on
a video screen. The drawings are stored electronically to facilitate revisions
and create duplications easily. These systems also permit drafters to quickly
prepare variations of a design. Although drafters use CADD extensively, it is
only a tool: Persons who produce technical drawings with CADD still function as
drafters and need the knowledge of traditional drafters, in addition to CADD
skills. Despite the near-universal use of CADD systems, manual drafting and
sketching still is used in certain applications.
Drafting work has many specialties, and titles may denote a particular
discipline of design or drafting.
Aeronautical drafters prepare engineering drawings detailing plans
and specifications used in the manufacture of aircraft, missiles, and related
parts.
Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of
buildings and other structures. These workers may specialize in a type of
structure, such as residential or commercial, or in a kind of material used,
such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, or timber.
Civil drafters prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps
used in major construction or civil engineering projects, such as highways,
bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewage systems.
Electrical drafters prepare wiring and layout diagrams used by
workers who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in
communication centers, powerplants, electrical distribution systems, and
buildings.
Electronics drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly
diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation,
and repair of electronic devices and components.
Mechanical drafters prepare detail and assembly drawings of a wide
variety of machinery and mechanical devices, indicating dimensions, fastening
methods, and other requirements.
Process piping or pipeline drafters prepare drawings used in
the layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries,
chemical plants, and process piping systems.
Most drafters work a standard 40-hour week; only a small number work part
time. Drafters usually work in comfortable offices furnished to accommodate
their tasks. They may sit at adjustable drawing boards or drafting tables when
doing manual drawings, although most drafters work at computer terminals much of
the time. Because they spend long periods in front of computer terminals doing
detailed work, drafters may be susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and
hand and wrist problems.
Drafters held about 216,000 jobs in 2002. Architectural and civil drafters
held about half of all jobs for drafters, mechanical drafters held about a third
of all jobs, and the rest of all jobs were held by electrical and electronics
drafters.
Almost half of all jobs for drafters were in architectural, engineering, and
related services firms that design construction projects or do other engineering
work on a contract basis for other industries. More than a quarter of jobs were
in manufacturing industries, such as machinery manufacturing, including
metalworking and other general machinery; fabricated metal products
manufacturing, including architectural and structural metals; computer and
electronic products manufacturing, including navigational, measuring,
electromedical, and control instruments; and transportation equipment
manufacturing, including aerospace products and parts manufacturing, as well as
ship and boat building. Most of the rest were employed in construction,
government, wholesale trade, utilities, and employment services. Only a small
number were self-employed in 2002.
Employers prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary school training
in drafting, which is offered by technical institutes, community colleges, and
some 4-year colleges and universities. Employers are most interested in
applicants with well-developed drafting and mechanical-drawing skills; knowledge
of drafting standards, mathematics, science, and engineering technology; and a
solid background in computer-aided design and drafting techniques. In addition,
communication and problem-solving skills are important.
Training and course work differ somewhat within the drafting specialties.
The initial training for each specialty is similar. All incorporate math and
communication skills, for example, but course work relating to the specialty
varies. In an electronics drafting program, for example, students learn how to
depict electronic components and circuits in drawings.
Many types of publicly and privately operated schools provide some form of
training in drafting. The kind and quality of programs vary considerably;
therefore, prospective students should be careful in selecting a program. They
should contact prospective employers regarding their preferences and ask schools
to provide information about the kinds of jobs that are obtained by the
school’s graduates, the types and conditions of the instructional facilities
and equipment, and the faculty’s qualifications.
Technical institutes offer intensive technical training, but less general
education than do junior and community colleges. Certificates or diplomas based
on the completion of a certain number of course hours may be awarded. Many
technical institutes offer 2-year associate degree programs, which are similar
to, or part of, the programs offered by community colleges or State university
systems. Their programs vary considerably in both length and type of courses
offered. Some area vocational-technical schools are postsecondary public
institutions that serve local students and emphasize the type of training
preferred by local employers. Many offer introductory drafting instruction. Most
require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission. Other technical
institutes are run by private, often for-profit, organizations, sometimes called
proprietary schools.
Community colleges offer curricula similar to those in technical institutes,
but include more courses on theory and liberal arts. Often, there is little or
no difference between technical institute and community college programs.
However, courses taken at community colleges are more likely than those given at
technical institutes to be accepted for credit at 4-year colleges. After
completing a 2-year associate degree program, graduates may obtain jobs as
drafters or continue their education in a related field at 4-year colleges. Most
4-year colleges usually do not offer training in drafting, but college courses
in engineering, architecture, and mathematics are useful for obtaining a job as
a drafter.
Technical training obtained in the Armed Forces also can be applied in
civilian drafting jobs. Some additional training may be necessary, depending on
the technical area or military specialty.
The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) has established a
certification program for drafters. Although employers usually do not require
drafters to be certified, certification demonstrates an understanding of
nationally recognized practices and standards of knowledge. Individuals who wish
to become certified must pass the Drafter Certification Test, which is
administered periodically at ADDA-authorized sites. Applicants are tested on
their knowledge and understanding of basic drafting concepts, such as geometric
construction, working drawings, and architectural terms and standards.
Individuals planning careers in drafting should take courses in mathematics,
science, computer technology, design, and computer graphics, as well as any high
school drafting courses available. Mechanical ability and visual aptitude also
are important. Prospective drafters should be able to draw well and perform
detailed work accurately and neatly. Artistic ability is helpful in some
specialized fields, as is knowledge of manufacturing and construction methods.
In addition, prospective drafters should have good interpersonal skills, because
they work closely with engineers, surveyors, architects, other professionals,
and, sometimes, customers.
Entry-level or junior drafters usually do routine work under close
supervision. After gaining experience, they may become intermediate-level
drafters and progress to more difficult work with less supervision. At the
intermediate level, they may need to exercise more judgment and perform
calculations when preparing and modifying drawings. Drafters may eventually
advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor. Many employers pay for
continuing education, and, with appropriate college degrees, drafters may go on
to become engineering technicians, engineers, or architects.
Employment of drafters is expected to grow
more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2012. Industrial
growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and
manufacturing processes will increase the demand for drafting services. Further,
drafters are beginning to break out of the traditional drafting role and
increasingly do work traditionally performed by engineers and architects, thus
also increasing demand for drafters. However, the greater use of CADD equipment
by drafters, as well as by architects and engineers, should limit demand for
lesser skilled drafters, resulting in slower-than-average overall employment
growth. Most job openings are expected to arise from the need to replace
drafters who transfer to other occupations, leave the labor force, or retire.
Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of
postsecondary training in a drafting program that provides strong technical
skills, as well as considerable experience with CADD systems. CADD has increased
the complexity of drafting applications while enhancing the productivity of
drafters. It also has enhanced the nature of drafting by creating more
possibilities for design and drafting. As technology continues to advance,
employers will look for drafters with a strong background in fundamental
drafting principles, a higher level of technical sophistication, and an ability
to apply their knowledge to a broader range of responsibilities.
Demand for particular drafting specialties varies throughout the country
because employment usually is contingent upon the needs of local industry.
Employment of drafters remains highly concentrated in industries that are
sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy, such as manufacturing and
architectural and engineering services. During recessions, drafters may be laid
off. However, a growing number of drafters should continue to find employment on
a temporary or contract basis as more companies turn to the employment services
industry to meet their changing needs.
Earnings for drafters vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median
annual earnings of architectural and civil drafters were $37,330 in 2002. The
middle 50 percent earned between $30,170 and $45,500. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $24,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56,260.
Median annual earnings for architectural and civil drafters in architectural,
engineering, and related services were $36,780.
Median annual earnings of mechanical drafters were $40,730 in 2002. The
middle 50 percent earned between $32,100 and $51,950. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $25,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,780.
Median annual earnings for mechanical drafters in architectural, engineering,
and related services were $41,170.
Median annual earnings of electrical and electronics drafters were $41,090
in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,060 and $53,440. The lowest 10
percent earned less than $25,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$68,000. In architectural, engineering, and related services, median annual
earnings for electrical and electronics drafters were $39,760.
Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience
and do not constitute an endorsement.
Information on schools offering programs in drafting and related fields is
available from:
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology,
2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. Internet: http://www.accsct.org
Information about certification is available from:
American Design Drafting Association, 105 E. Main St., Newbern, TN
38059. Internet: http://www.adda.org
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05
Edition,
Drafters
, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/
ocos111.htm
(visited May 19, 2004).
