What Do Mechanical Drafter Do?
Example of Mechanical Drafter Job Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Mechanical Drafter Responsibilities
- Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
- Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
- Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
- Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
- Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
- Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
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Mechanical Drafter Skills
Mechanical Drafters state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Mechanical Drafter Jobs
- Aeronautical Drafter
- Drafting Technician
- Gage Designer
- CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter)
- CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer)
Is There Job Demand for Mechanical Drafters?
In the United States, there were 64,800 jobs for Mechanical Drafter in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,400 new jobs for Mechanical Drafter by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,900 positions for Mechanical Drafter per year.
The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Drafter are Nevada, Connecticut, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Mechanical Drafter Salary
The average yearly salary of a Mechanical Drafter ranges between $35,720 and $88,280.
Mechanical Drafters who work in Washington, New Mexico, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Mechanical Drafters make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $56,960 |
Alaska | $72,880 |
Arizona | $65,040 |
Arkansas | $50,430 |
California | $65,710 |
Colorado | $63,450 |
Connecticut | $66,590 |
Delaware | $58,360 |
District of Columbia | $50,500 |
Florida | $54,610 |
Georgia | $53,410 |
Hawaii | $59,450 |
Idaho | $48,430 |
Illinois | $56,210 |
Indiana | $51,610 |
Iowa | $55,180 |
Kansas | $50,210 |
Kentucky | $53,950 |
Louisiana | $66,150 |
Maine | $56,880 |
Maryland | $65,420 |
Massachusetts | $57,500 |
Michigan | $58,070 |
Minnesota | $59,360 |
Mississippi | $59,870 |
Missouri | $54,470 |
Montana | $53,230 |
Nebraska | $50,100 |
Nevada | $49,210 |
New Hampshire | $58,350 |
New Jersey | $68,200 |
New Mexico | $69,930 |
New York | $57,780 |
North Carolina | $53,810 |
North Dakota | $51,970 |
Ohio | $53,690 |
Oklahoma | $59,930 |
Oregon | $57,750 |
Pennsylvania | $54,280 |
Rhode Island | $52,160 |
South Carolina | $60,180 |
South Dakota | $41,450 |
Tennessee | $60,890 |
Texas | $61,770 |
Utah | $60,450 |
Vermont | $53,600 |
Virginia | $59,000 |
Washington | $81,180 |
West Virginia | $51,180 |
Wisconsin | $52,390 |
Wyoming | $54,650 |
What Tools & Technology do Mechanical Drafters Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mechanical Drafters may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Extensible markup language XML
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- Bentley Microstation
- PTC Creo Parametric
- Autodesk Revit
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Document management system software
- Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
How do I Become a Mechanical Drafter?
Individuals working as a Mechanical Drafter have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Mechanical Drafter?
Mechanical Drafters Sector
Below are examples of industries where Mechanical Drafters work:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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