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Mechanical Drafters in Michigan

Mechanical Drafters in Michigan

Thinking about a career as a Mechanical Drafters in Michigan? Here’s what you need to know. Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

What do Mechanical Drafters Make in Michigan?

For a mechanical drafters working in Michigan, wages run about $74,390 per year (or about $35.77/hour).Annual wages span from $49,260 at the 10th percentile to $112,410 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic Annual Hourly
10th percentile $49,260 $23.68
25th percentile $59,710 $28.71
Median (50th) $74,390 $35.77
75th percentile $95,700 $46.01
90th percentile $112,410 $54.05
Salary ranges for Mechanical Drafters in Michigan

The job concentration index in Michigan relative to the national average — is 1.51, meaning that mechanical drafters are more concentrated here than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, mechanical drafters earn a median of $78,252 per year ($37.62/hour), below the Michigan median.

Mechanical Drafters earnings in Michigan vs. the national average

Employment Outlook

Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 112,826 mechanical drafters in the U.S.. In Michigan alone, about 1,720 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 540 mechanical drafters.

Mechanical Drafters in Michigan vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for Mechanical Drafters

Top Michigan Metros for Mechanical Drafters

These are the Michigan metros with the most mechanical drafters in Michigan.

Metro Area Number Employed Annual Median Salary
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 740 $79,060
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI 370 $74,070
Flint, MI 60 $77,440
Lansing-East Lansing, MI 60 $63,970
Saginaw, MI 60 $76,490
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI 50 $71,550
Niles, MI 50 $80,280

Top States for Mechanical Drafters Employment

The table below shows the states where the most mechanical drafters work.

State Number Employed
Texas 3,460
California 3,360
Ohio 2,130
Pennsylvania 2,070
New York 2,030
Wisconsin 2,010
Florida 1,970
Michigan 1,720
Washington 1,600
Indiana 1,590
Minnesota 1,450
Tennessee 1,250
North Carolina 850
Massachusetts 840
Missouri 820
New Jersey 780
Arizona 720
Illinois 710
Utah 610
Alabama 590

Highest-Paying States for Mechanical Drafters

The highest-paying states for mechanical drafters.

State Annual Median Salary
New Mexico $85,220
Colorado $85,050
Vermont $81,840
California $80,430
Arizona $80,270
Nevada $79,710
Oregon $79,660
New Jersey $79,190
Maryland $77,300
Texas $76,740

Skills

Top mechanical drafters skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Critical Thinking  3.2 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  3.2 / 5
0
5
Reading Comprehension  3.2 / 5
0
5
Active Learning  3.2 / 5
0
5
Mathematics  3.2 / 5
0
5
Speaking  3.1 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Design  4.8 / 5
0
5
Engineering and Technology  4.7 / 5
0
5
Mechanical  4.5 / 5
0
5
Mathematics  4.4 / 5
0
5
English Language  3.9 / 5
0
5
Physics  3.9 / 5
0
5

Abilities

Key abilities for mechanical drafters, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Near Vision  3.8 / 5
0
5
Visualization  3.5 / 5
0
5
Mathematical Reasoning  3.5 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  3.2 / 5
0
5
Fluency of Ideas  3.2 / 5
0
5
Oral Expression  3.2 / 5
0
5

Daily Tasks

Day-to-day, mechanical drafters typically:

  • Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
  • Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
  • Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
  • Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
  • Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
  • Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  • Getting Information
  • Thinking Creatively
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Tools & Technology

Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe After Effects, Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D In-demand technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Navisworks

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Programs that train for this career include:

  • Drafting & Design Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Careers similar to mechanical drafters include:

Also Known As

Aeronautical Drafter, Architectural Drafter, Auto Design Detailer, Auto Design Drafter (Automotive Design Drafter), Auto Design Layout Drafter (Automotive Design Layout Drafter), AutoCAD Designer, AutoCAD Drafter, AutoCAD Technician, Body Design Checker, Body Designer, 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).

References

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