Mechanical Drafters
SOC code 17-3013 · O*NET-SOC 17-3013.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Mechanical Drafters pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$71,550
a year
Hourly
$34.40
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$75,060
$36.09 per hour
Middle 50%
$58,080 – $86,120
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$48,360 – $106,580
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
39,960
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $48,360
- $23.25/hr
- 25th percentile
- $58,080
- $27.93/hr
- Median percentile
- $71,550
- $34.40/hr
- 75th percentile
- $86,120
- $41.41/hr
- 90th percentile
- $106,580
- $51.24/hr
What does a mechanical drafter do?
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
The tasks that matter most 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.
How to become a mechanical drafter
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.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a mechanical drafter earn?
The national median is $71,550 a year. The full range runs from $48,360 at the 10th percentile to $106,580 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a mechanical drafter 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
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Reading Comprehension3.3/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Writing3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Design4.6/5
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- Mechanical4.2/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Production and Processing3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Physics3.2/5
- English Language3.2/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Analysis, Complex Problem Solving.