Mechanical Drafters Career Resources

Associate Degree Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less - All On One Page.

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Associate's Degree or less.

An associate's degree can open doors to skilled technical, healthcare, and business support roles without the time commitment of a four-year degree. For people who want a faster, more affordable path into a stable career. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What jobs can you get with an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 484 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers / (38.99%) / ($219,140)

Computer and Information Systems Managers / (35.15%) / ($169,510)

Clinical Research Coordinators / (33.77%) / ($157,740)

Air Traffic Controllers / (78.05%) / ($137,380)

Purchasing Managers / (36.84%) / ($136,380)

Loss Prevention Managers / (40.91%) / ($133,560)

Wind Energy Operations Managers / (65.24%) / ($133,560)

Computer Network Architects / (35.00%) / ($129,840)

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators / (84.67%) / ($120,350)

Industrial Production Managers / (70.50%) / ($116,970)

Geothermal Production Managers / (80.39%) / ($116,970)

Biofuels Production Managers / (47.96%) / ($116,970)

Biomass Power Plant Managers / (38.51%) / ($116,970)

Hydroelectric Production Managers / (77.90%) / ($116,970)

Commercial Pilots / (98.19%) / ($113,080)

Mechatronics Engineers / (32.67%) / ($111,970)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / (40.74%) / ($111,970)

Administrative Services Managers / (71.74%) / ($106,470)

Web Administrators / (40.00%) / ($104,920)

Information Security Engineers / (47.37%) / ($104,920)

Blockchain Engineers / (37.50%) / ($104,920)

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects / (72.73%) / ($104,920)

Information Technology Project Managers / (33.33%) / ($104,920)

Construction Managers / (55.00%) / ($104,900)

Power Distributors and Dispatchers / (94.36%) / ($104,750)

Computer Systems Analysts / (56.64%) / ($103,800)

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / (99.66%) / ($102,420)

Facilities Managers / (92.59%) / ($102,340)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / (47.05%) / ($101,800)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / (80.58%) / ($101,750)

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / (84.15%) / ($101,740)

General and Operations Managers / (72.41%) / ($101,280)

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects / (36.84%) / ($100,270)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products / (58.63%) / ($99,710)

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / (67.01%) / ($99,710)

Mechanical Engineers / (47.22%) / ($99,510)

Special Effects Artists and Animators / (46.91%) / ($99,060)

Video Game Designers / (45.00%) / ($98,540)

Radiation Therapists / (62.46%) / ($98,300)

Power Plant Operators / (87.46%) / ($97,010)

Biomass Plant Technicians / (90.28%) / ($97,010)

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians / (93.13%) / ($97,010)

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay / (97.61%) / ($96,600)

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / (100.00%) / ($94,580)

Ship Engineers / (81.03%) / ($94,270)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists / (68.68%) / ($92,500)

Police Identification and Records Officers / (75.14%) / ($91,100)

Labor Relations Specialists / (33.32%) / ($89,980)

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels / (90.68%) / ($88,730)

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / (86.55%) / ($88,670)

Dental Hygienists / (75.18%) / ($87,530)

Aviation Inspectors / (96.07%) / ($87,290)

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / (100.00%) / ($87,290)

Registered Nurses / (42.65%) / ($86,070)

Critical Care Nurses / (35.71%) / ($86,070)

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / (97.19%) / ($85,420)

Web Developers / (50.01%) / ($84,960)

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes / (41.87%) / ($84,900)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / (42.07%) / ($84,570)

Subway and Streetcar Operators / (100.00%) / ($84,270)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / (86.96%) / ($83,740)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers / (100.00%) / ($82,710)

Gas Plant Operators / (100.00%) / ($82,560)

Producers and Directors / (43.30%) / ($82,510)

Media Programming Directors / (48.00%) / ($82,510)

Talent Directors / (30.75%) / ($82,510)

Gambling Managers / (93.26%) / ($82,380)

Technical Writers / (58.04%) / ($80,050)

Online Merchants / (58.72%) / ($79,590)

Fashion Designers / (49.34%) / ($79,290)

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment / (85.65%) / ($79,160)

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians / (92.08%) / ($77,830)

Avionics Technicians / (96.67%) / ($77,420)

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents / (34.85%) / ($76,900)

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers / (89.50%) / ($76,760)

Solar Energy Installation Managers / (93.70%) / ($76,760)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / (32.08%) / ($76,250)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / (57.51%) / ($76,210)

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers / (90.39%) / ($75,820)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / (60.66%) / ($75,670)

Coroners / (40.00%) / ($75,670)

Funeral Home Managers / (93.51%) / ($75,660)

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators / (39.64%) / ($75,050)

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians / (99.37%) / ($75,020)

Search Marketing Strategists / (52.18%) / ($74,680)

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage / (98.53%) / ($74,520)

Fire Inspectors and Investigators / (95.76%) / ($74,160)

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers / (50.00%) / ($73,690)

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / (90.91%) / ($73,500)

Photonics Technicians / (81.82%) / ($73,500)

Customs and Border Protection Officers / (70.66%) / ($72,280)

Transit and Railroad Police / (65.67%) / ($72,250)

Wellhead Pumpers / (100.00%) / ($71,830)

Computer Network Support Specialists / (49.70%) / ($71,530)

Boilermakers / (100.01%) / ($71,140)

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / (100.00%) / ($71,130)

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / (89.30%) / ($70,530)

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants / (80.15%) / ($70,310)

Athletes and Sports Competitors / (75.54%) / ($70,280)

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door / (98.56%) / ($70,100)

Loan Officers / (30.14%) / ($69,990)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / (57.47%) / ($69,260)

Surveyors / (52.63%) / ($68,540)

Flight Attendants / (87.65%) / ($68,370)

Construction and Building Inspectors / (80.00%) / ($67,700)

Energy Auditors / (75.86%) / ($67,700)

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators / (100.00%) / ($67,640)

Occupational Therapy Assistants / (96.81%) / ($67,010)

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment / (100.00%) / ($66,680)

Roof Bolters, Mining / (100.00%) / ($66,660)

Film and Video Editors / (34.31%) / ($66,600)

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / (93.42%) / ($66,170)

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers / (87.18%) / ($65,930)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / (66.12%) / ($65,630)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / (32.71%) / ($65,130)

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians / (79.71%) / ($65,080)

Robotics Technicians / (77.27%) / ($65,080)

Rail Car Repairers / (99.99%) / ($65,030)

Forensic Science Technicians / (65.60%) / ($64,940)

Crane and Tower Operators / (100.00%) / ($64,690)

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic / (99.17%) / ($64,190)

Physical Therapist Assistants / (84.16%) / ($64,080)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / (100.00%) / ($64,070)

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (63.49%) / ($64,020)

Automotive Engineering Technicians / (59.25%) / ($64,020)

Midwives / (41.58%) / ($63,630)

Pile Driver Operators / (100.01%) / ($63,550)

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers / (53.45%) / ($63,450)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers / (98.14%) / ($63,440)

Food Service Managers / (90.26%) / ($63,060)

Millwrights / (100.00%) / ($62,980)

Health Education Specialists / (64.77%) / ($62,860)

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers / (73.63%) / ($62,510)

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic / (100.01%) / ($62,270)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary / (67.55%) / ($62,060)

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines / (100.01%) / ($61,900)

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,870)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / (93.10%) / ($61,800)

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / (91.08%) / ($61,770)

Wind Turbine Service Technicians / (100.01%) / ($61,770)

Electricians / (98.70%) / ($61,590)

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters / (100.00%) / ($61,590)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (100.01%) / ($61,550)

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / (77.54%) / ($61,550)

Tool and Die Makers / (100.00%) / ($61,490)

Continuous Mining Machine Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,420)

Industrial Machinery Mechanics / (100.01%) / ($61,420)

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers / (90.24%) / ($61,310)

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / (84.35%) / ($61,240)

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / (93.54%) / ($61,210)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / (43.47%) / ($60,970)

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (81.66%) / ($60,700)

Medical Equipment Repairers / (99.99%) / ($60,670)

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / (99.99%) / ($60,170)

Brokerage Clerks / (61.77%) / ($60,150)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / (88.91%) / ($59,730)

Brickmasons and Blockmasons / (99.99%) / ($59,640)

Postal Service Clerks / (100.00%) / ($59,570)

Sound Engineering Technicians / (72.00%) / ($59,430)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / (64.62%) / ($59,300)

Computer User Support Specialists / (48.31%) / ($59,240)

Insurance Sales Agents / (53.10%) / ($59,080)

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists / (99.99%) / ($58,970)

Chefs and Head Cooks / (91.67%) / ($58,920)

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / (81.54%) / ($58,920)

Sheet Metal Workers / (100.01%) / ($58,780)

Hearing Aid Specialists / (43.26%) / ($58,670)

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / (98.23%) / ($58,620)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / (62.46%) / ($58,530)

Quality Control Analysts / (72.10%) / ($58,350)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($58,210)

Watch and Clock Repairers / (98.31%) / ($58,140)

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians / (42.85%) / ($57,920)

Maintenance Workers, Machinery / (97.42%) / ($57,350)

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers / (65.10%) / ($57,320)

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / (100.00%) / ($57,070)

Biofuels Processing Technicians / (100.00%) / ($56,940)

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners / (59.20%) / ($56,920)

Chemical Technicians / (56.26%) / ($56,750)

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($56,660)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / (100.00%) / ($56,430)

Carpenters / (100.00%) / ($56,350)

Postal Service Mail Carriers / (100.00%) / ($56,330)

Riggers / (100.00%) / ($56,220)

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($56,160)

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($55,750)

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers / (61.33%) / ($55,740)

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers / (95.18%) / ($55,700)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / (100.00%) / ($54,890)

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / (82.35%) / ($54,690)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / (88.58%) / ($54,580)

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / (99.99%) / ($54,320)

Embalmers / (86.37%) / ($54,090)

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists / (75.97%) / ($54,080)

Tire Builders / (99.47%) / ($54,080)

Insulation Workers, Mechanical / (100.01%) / ($53,920)

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / (100.01%) / ($53,900)

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / (82.43%) / ($53,550)

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / (100.01%) / ($53,440)

Correctional Officers and Jailers / (100.00%) / ($53,300)

Bailiffs / (99.99%) / ($53,040)

Plasterers and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($52,640)

Costume Attendants / (68.86%) / ($52,370)

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks / (68.16%) / ($52,240)

Traffic Technicians / (88.33%) / ($52,240)

Choreographers / (76.18%) / ($52,000)

Forest and Conservation Technicians / (85.19%) / ($51,880)

Stonemasons / (100.00%) / ($51,830)

Audio and Video Technicians / (57.32%) / ($51,640)

Biological Technicians / (31.37%) / ($51,430)

Desktop Publishers / (61.30%) / ($51,290)

Airfield Operations Specialists / (49.14%) / ($51,140)

Glaziers / (100.01%) / ($51,100)

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / (88.76%) / ($51,030)

Machinists / (100.00%) / ($50,840)

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / (99.99%) / ($50,720)

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (93.00%) / ($50,680)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / (31.83%) / ($50,660)

Dredge Operators / (100.00%) / ($50,440)

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / (68.62%) / ($50,270)

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / (92.80%) / ($50,270)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($50,250)

Directors, Religious Activities and Education / (36.68%) / ($50,140)

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / (100.00%) / ($50,050)

Transportation Security Screeners / (100.00%) / ($50,020)

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,990)

Private Detectives and Investigators / (57.84%) / ($49,540)

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / (100.01%) / ($49,230)

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,210)

Bridge and Lock Tenders / (100.00%) / ($49,120)

Food Science Technicians / (52.50%) / ($49,090)

Tree Trimmers and Pruners / (100.00%) / ($49,070)

Tax Preparers / (76.20%) / ($49,010)

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,980)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / (99.05%) / ($48,940)

Tile and Stone Setters / (100.00%) / ($48,910)

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / (100.01%) / ($48,900)

Public Safety Telecommunicators / (95.26%) / ($48,890)

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / (99.99%) / ($48,840)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / (95.84%) / ($48,840)

Solar Photovoltaic Installers / (84.97%) / ($48,800)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / (52.69%) / ($48,790)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers / (99.99%) / ($48,740)

Pourers and Casters, Metal / (100.00%) / ($48,690)

Patternmakers, Wood / (100.00%) / ($48,630)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / (96.78%) / ($48,550)

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / (100.00%) / ($48,480)

Paperhangers / (100.00%) / ($48,460)

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / (100.00%) / ($48,410)

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / (94.78%) / ($48,380)

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / (92.30%) / ($48,380)

Cargo and Freight Agents / (69.25%) / ($48,330)

Freight Forwarders / (41.92%) / ($48,330)

Logging Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,240)

Agricultural Inspectors / (87.88%) / ($48,010)

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($47,950)

Floor Sanders and Finishers / (100.00%) / ($47,760)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / (65.40%) / ($47,710)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance / (98.15%) / ($47,700)

Dental Laboratory Technicians / (92.45%) / ($47,690)

Animal Breeders / (95.94%) / ($47,540)

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / (100.00%) / ($47,540)

Carpet Installers / (100.00%) / ($47,520)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists / (83.87%) / ($47,470)

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists / (75.00%) / ($47,470)

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / (84.34%) / ($47,450)

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / (81.29%) / ($47,440)

Models / (96.06%) / ($47,430)

Travel Agents / (85.65%) / ($47,410)

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / (85.70%) / ($47,390)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / (61.75%) / ($47,380)

Highway Maintenance Workers / (100.00%) / ($47,360)

Pipelayers / (100.00%) / ($47,330)

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($47,250)

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (81.16%) / ($47,200)

Home Appliance Repairers / (100.01%) / ($47,170)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (90.27%) / ($47,110)

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($47,040)

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / (99.99%) / ($46,910)

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / (93.41%) / ($46,900)

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / (92.98%) / ($46,860)

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / (92.91%) / ($46,850)

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / (99.58%) / ($46,730)

Maintenance and Repair Workers, General / (98.46%) / ($46,700)

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers / (89.61%) / ($46,690)

Procurement Clerks / (67.27%) / ($46,670)

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / (87.75%) / ($46,650)

Dental Assistants / (100.00%) / ($46,540)

Rock Splitters, Quarry / (81.02%) / ($46,530)

Geothermal Technicians / (100.00%) / ($46,500)

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / (61.91%) / ($46,480)

Motorboat Operators / (85.14%) / ($46,420)

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($46,340)

Motorcycle Mechanics / (89.26%) / ($46,270)

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($46,100)

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / (100.00%) / ($45,850)

Semiconductor Processing Technicians / (99.68%) / ($45,850)

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / (100.00%) / ($45,760)

Bus Drivers, School / (100.00%) / ($45,660)

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / (98.16%) / ($45,640)

Log Graders and Scalers / (100.00%) / ($45,600)

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles / (100.00%) / ($45,570)

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,560)

Helpers--Extraction Workers / (100.01%) / ($45,520)

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,350)

Self-Enrichment Teachers / (45.76%) / ($45,330)

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers / (99.99%) / ($45,320)

Construction Laborers / (100.00%) / ($45,300)

Medical Equipment Preparers / (82.92%) / ($45,280)

Prepress Technicians and Workers / (94.79%) / ($45,070)

Model Makers, Wood / (85.67%) / ($45,040)

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($44,980)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / (59.63%) / ($44,890)

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / (99.99%) / ($44,890)

New Accounts Clerks / (100.00%) / ($44,630)

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (92.88%) / ($44,620)

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($44,510)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / (57.73%) / ($44,490)

Endoscopy Technicians / (100.01%) / ($44,490)

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / (100.00%) / ($44,470)

Fence Erectors / (99.99%) / ($44,410)

Foundry Mold and Coremakers / (100.00%) / ($44,300)

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / (89.01%) / ($44,280)

Bill and Account Collectors / (78.88%) / ($44,250)

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($44,240)

Opticians, Dispensing / (100.00%) / ($44,170)

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / (100.00%) / ($44,140)

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / (100.00%) / ($44,030)

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / (89.60%) / ($43,740)

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / (99.99%) / ($43,540)

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / (99.03%) / ($43,310)

Potters, Manufacturing / (77.39%) / ($43,310)

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / (99.49%) / ($43,270)

Skincare Specialists / (78.15%) / ($43,200)

Agricultural Technicians / (63.19%) / ($43,180)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / (60.87%) / ($43,180)

Animal Control Workers / (96.15%) / ($43,170)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / (90.92%) / ($42,800)

Upholsterers / (100.00%) / ($42,730)

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (96.10%) / ($42,670)

Cooks, Private Household / (100.00%) / ($42,590)

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / (93.77%) / ($42,470)

Light Truck Drivers / (100.00%) / ($42,470)

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($42,420)

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($42,400)

Correspondence Clerks / (88.39%) / ($42,120)

Medical Assistants / (82.53%) / ($42,000)

Printing Press Operators / (100.00%) / ($41,860)

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / (100.00%) / ($41,780)

Order Clerks / (87.93%) / ($41,600)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($41,600)

Social and Human Service Assistants / (44.61%) / ($41,410)

Photographers / (81.82%) / ($40,760)

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (99.99%) / ($40,640)

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / (99.42%) / ($40,610)

Office Clerks, General / (99.76%) / ($40,480)

Pharmacy Technicians / (96.16%) / ($40,300)

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / (98.84%) / ($40,300)

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / (100.00%) / ($40,230)

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / (99.36%) / ($40,200)

Etchers and Engravers / (99.99%) / ($40,040)

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,850)

Furniture Finishers / (100.00%) / ($39,790)

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / (89.25%) / ($39,780)

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (96.57%) / ($39,740)

Psychiatric Technicians / (68.09%) / ($39,700)

Agricultural Equipment Operators / (99.99%) / ($39,690)

Customer Service Representatives / (85.79%) / ($39,680)

Tutors / (54.54%) / ($39,580)

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / (89.50%) / ($39,360)

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($39,340)

Library Technicians / (68.58%) / ($39,310)

Conveyor Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,260)

Machine Feeders and Offbearers / (100.00%) / ($39,250)

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / (100.00%) / ($39,210)

Psychiatric Aides / (95.92%) / ($39,160)

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / (100.00%) / ($38,980)

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($38,940)

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($38,870)

Animal Trainers / (98.25%) / ($38,810)

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,550)

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / (100.00%) / ($38,520)

Food Batchmakers / (99.99%) / ($38,460)

Helpers--Electricians / (98.70%) / ($38,340)

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,330)

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / (98.28%) / ($38,260)

Nursing Assistants / (87.36%) / ($38,200)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers / (100.00%) / ($38,160)

File Clerks / (91.72%) / ($38,130)

Print Binding and Finishing Workers / (100.01%) / ($38,100)

Telephone Operators / (100.00%) / ($38,080)

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / (100.00%) / ($38,000)

Residential Advisors / (59.02%) / ($37,950)

Data Entry Keyers / (100.00%) / ($37,790)

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / (91.17%) / ($37,720)

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,660)

Recycling and Reclamation Workers / (91.99%) / ($37,660)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (90.30%) / ($37,650)

Butchers and Meat Cutters / (100.00%) / ($37,650)

Tellers / (91.68%) / ($37,640)

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / (82.57%) / ($37,450)

Counter and Rental Clerks / (79.75%) / ($37,400)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / (55.21%) / ($37,380)

Concierges / (90.91%) / ($37,150)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / (62.81%) / ($37,130)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($37,130)

Security Guards / (98.04%) / ($37,070)

Medical Transcriptionists / (100.00%) / ($37,060)

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,040)

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($37,010)

Occupational Therapy Aides / (98.20%) / ($36,970)

Demonstrators and Product Promoters / (99.34%) / ($36,970)

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,970)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / (100.00%) / ($36,880)

Parts Salespersons / (86.38%) / ($36,860)

Orderlies / (100.00%) / ($36,830)

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / (96.96%) / ($36,750)

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers / (99.97%) / ($36,710)

Helpers--Production Workers / (92.38%) / ($36,700)

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / (90.54%) / ($36,650)

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,620)

Craft Artists / (86.96%) / ($36,600)

Dietetic Technicians / (93.29%) / ($36,520)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / (99.54%) / ($36,440)

Crossing Guards and Flaggers / (100.00%) / ($36,370)

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / (98.70%) / ($36,300)

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / (82.36%) / ($36,230)

Pharmacy Aides / (100.00%) / ($36,200)

Gambling Cage Workers / (100.00%) / ($36,110)

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($36,020)

Receptionists and Information Clerks / (100.00%) / ($35,840)

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / (80.95%) / ($35,820)

Cooks, Restaurant / (99.99%) / ($35,780)

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / (94.81%) / ($35,620)

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($35,530)

Driver/Sales Workers / (100.00%) / ($35,420)

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($35,340)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / (93.22%) / ($35,320)

Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs / (99.83%) / ($35,240)

Motion Picture Projectionists / (89.90%) / ($35,160)

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / (99.77%) / ($35,120)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (75.92%) / ($35,020)

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / (100.00%) / ($34,910)

Baggage Porters and Bellhops / (100.01%) / ($34,840)

Packers and Packagers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($34,830)

Telemarketers / (100.00%) / ($34,480)

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / (75.14%) / ($34,470)

Sewing Machine Operators / (99.99%) / ($34,440)

Recreation Workers / (37.90%) / ($34,410)

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / (100.00%) / ($34,360)

Manicurists and Pedicurists / (100.00%) / ($34,250)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / (99.99%) / ($34,150)

Cooks, Short Order / (100.01%) / ($34,130)

Library Assistants, Clerical / (95.43%) / ($34,020)

Forest and Conservation Workers / (57.20%) / ($33,940)

Funeral Attendants / (88.97%) / ($33,850)

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / (100.00%) / ($33,820)

Retail Salespersons / (96.00%) / ($33,680)

Physical Therapist Aides / (81.30%) / ($33,520)

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (89.15%) / ($33,450)

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / (89.23%) / ($33,450)

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($33,230)

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / (87.18%) / ($33,110)

Parking Attendants / (99.04%) / ($32,840)

Food Preparation Workers / (95.85%) / ($32,420)

Gambling Dealers / (100.00%) / ($32,240)

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / (85.85%) / ($32,240)

Sewers, Hand / (99.48%) / ($32,240)

Waiters and Waitresses / (100.00%) / ($31,940)

Bartenders / (98.88%) / ($31,510)

Dishwashers / (100.00%) / ($31,200)

Animal Caretakers / (86.63%) / ($31,200)

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / (100.00%) / ($31,180)

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / (95.41%) / ($30,790)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / (98.78%) / ($30,380)

Childcare Workers / (91.29%) / ($30,370)

Nannies / (96.00%) / ($30,370)

Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($29,720)

Fast Food and Counter Workers / (99.96%) / ($29,540)

Shampooers / (100.00%) / ($29,530)

Amusement and Recreation Attendants / (98.57%) / ($29,390)

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / (86.88%) / ($29,220)

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / (100.01%) / ($29,170)

Dancers / (100.01%) / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Mechanical Drafters.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Mechanical Drafters" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Mechanical Drafters

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

U.S. Total Employment (2023): 53,600	U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.): 51,000
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.): -2,500 (-4.7%)	Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.): 4,700

Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Mechanical Drafters":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Importance: 99 (%)	Description: Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
Importance: 97 (%)	Description: Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
Importance: 97 (%)	Description: Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
Importance: 97 (%)	Description: Create bills of materials.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
Importance: 79 (%)	Description: Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
Importance: 78 (%)	Description: Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.

Supplemental Duties

Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Importance: 50 (%)	Description: Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background, using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays.
Importance: 34 (%)	Description: Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 75 (%)	Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
Compile technical information or documentation.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
Create images or other visual displays.
Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
Discuss designs or plans with clients.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Verify mathematical calculations.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 83 (%)	Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 56 (%)	Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance) These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 56 (%)	Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.

Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data.

Activity: Confer with clients to determine needs or order specifications.

Activity: Create visual designs or displays.

Activity: Design electrical or electronic systems or equipment.

Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.

Activity: Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data.

Activity: Supervise personnel activities.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

High-Priority Tech Skills

Computer aided design CAD software:

Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Electronic mail software:

Microsoft Outlook

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Presentation software:

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

Widely Used Tech Skills

Computer aided design CAD software:

Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Navisworks
NavisWorks Jetstream

Emerging Tech Skills

Computer aided design CAD software:

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D

Data base user interface and query software:

Microsoft Access

Enterprise application integration software:

Extensible markup language XML

Enterprise resource planning ERP software:

SAP software

Geographic information system:

ESRI ArcGIS software

Graphics or photo imaging software:

Adobe After Effects
Trimble SketchUp Pro

Project management software:

Microsoft Project

General Software Tools

Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):

Autodesk Mechanical

Bentley Navigator

Computer aided design and drafting CADD software

Computer aided design and drafting software CADD

Dassault Systemes CATIA

Piping and instrumentation design PID software

PTC Creo Parametric

PTC Pro/Cable

Reverse engineering software

Siemens Solid Edge

SofTech CADRA

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:

1CadCam Unigraphics
Rapid prototyping software

Document management software:

Document management system software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software:

ERP software

Graphics or photo imaging software (scroll table below):

Adobe LiveMotion

Graphic presentation software

McNeel Rhinoceros 3D

Motion graphics software

Non uniform rational b-splines NURBS software

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software:

Bill of materials software

Optical character reader OCR or scanning software:

Scanning software
Three-dimensional scanning software

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

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.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

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.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 29.6 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 21.2 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 16.9 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.7 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 6.4 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 6.4 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 6.4 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 3.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 1.5 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Local Salary Information

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Please select a State to see State and National Salaries

Certifications

Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?

Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design
Autodesk Certified Expert in Generative Design for Manufacturing
Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting
Autodesk Certified Professional in Design for Manufacturing
Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor for Mechanical Design
Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Mechanical Design
Certified Additive Manufacturing Associate
Certified Onshape Associate
Certified Onshape Professional
Certified PDM Administrator Professional
Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional Drawing Tools
Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional Mold Making
Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional Sheet Metal
Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional Surfacing
Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional Weldments
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate - Academic
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate - Electrical
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate - Simulation
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate Sustainability
Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert - Simulation
Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert- Mechanical Design
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional - Academic
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional - Flow Simulation
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional - Mechanical Design
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional - Simulation
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional API
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional CAM
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Model Based Design
Inventor Certified User
Mechanical Apprentice Drafter
Mechanical Certified Drafter

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

Mechanical Drafters

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 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 Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator)

CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)

CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter)

CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist)

Drafter

Drafting Technician (Drafting Tech)

Furniture Detailer

Gage Designer

Installation Drafter

Machine Design Checker

Mechanical Design Drafter

Mechanical Design Technician (Mechanical Design Tech)

Mechanical Designer

Mechanical Detailer

Mechanical Draughter

Mechanical Piping Designer

Plastic Mold Designer

Technical Designer

Tool and Die Designer

Tool Design Drafter

Tool Designer

Tooling Designer

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Mechanical Drafters" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Electrical and Electronics Drafters
2 - Architectural and Civil Drafters
3 - Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
4 - Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
5 - Commercial and Industrial Designers
6 - Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
7 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
8 - Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
9 - Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
10 - Machinists
11 - Mechanical Engineers
12 - Mechatronics Engineers
13 - Industrial Engineers
14 - Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
15 - Robotics Technicians
16 - Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
17 - Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
18 - Calibration Technologists and Technicians
19 - Electrical Engineers
20 - Software Developers

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Mechanical Drafters". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Mechanical Drafters". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Mechanical Drafters". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Mechanical Drafters

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Mechanical Drafters" occupation.

Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page