Electrical and Electronics Drafters

SOC code 17-3012 · O*NET-SOC 17-3012.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Electrical and Electronics Drafters pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$76,870

a year

Hourly

$36.96

per hour

10th$50,040Median$76,87090th$120,290

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$81,280

$39.08 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,430 – $96,730

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$50,040 – $120,290

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

17,920

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $50,040; $24.06/hr
25th percentile: $61,430; $29.53/hr
Median percentile: $76,870; $36.96/hr
75th percentile: $96,730; $46.50/hr
90th percentile: $120,290; $57.83/hr

What do electrical and electronics drafters do?

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.
Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 40% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

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

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree40%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree24%
Post-Secondary Certificate21%
Some College Courses7%

Common questions

How much does an electrical and electronics drafters earn?

The national median is $76,870 a year. The full range runs from $50,040 at the 10th percentile to $120,290 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an electrical and electronics drafters without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.6/5
Writing3.5/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Reading Comprehension3.4/5
Speaking3.3/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Design4.4/5
Engineering and Technology4.3/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
English Language3.9/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Administrative3.5/5
Education and Training3.2/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Time Management.