Architecture & Engineering
Mechanical Drafters
Also called: CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator), CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist), Design Drafter
US median pay
$71,550
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-6%
declining
Openings a year (US)
2,900
42,100 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
What they do day to day
- 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 and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Analysis3.4/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
- Systems Evaluation2.8/5
- Systems Analysis2.8/5
Knowledge
- Design4.6/5
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- Mechanical4.2/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Production and Processing3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.