Mechanical Drafters in North Dakota
Thinking about a career as a Mechanical Drafters in North Dakota? Here’s what the data says. Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
What do Mechanical Drafters Make in North Dakota?
The mechanical drafters working in North Dakota, wages run about $66,140 per year (or roughly $31.80/hour).Pay can range from $49,180 at the 10th percentile to $80,020 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,180 | $23.64 |
| 25th percentile | $54,300 | $26.11 |
| Median (50th) | $66,140 | $31.80 |
| 75th percentile | $78,310 | $37.65 |
| 90th percentile | $80,020 | $38.47 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in North Dakota compared to the national average — is 0.48, meaning fewer mechanical drafters per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, mechanical drafters earn a median of $78,252 per year ($37.62/hour), lower than the North Dakota median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 112,826 mechanical drafters across the United States. In North Dakota alone, about 50 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 540 mechanical drafters.
Top North Dakota Metros for Mechanical Drafters
These are the North Dakota metros with the most mechanical drafters in North Dakota.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN | 40 | $71,860 |
Top States for Mechanical Drafters Employment
View the states that employ 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
Where mechanical drafters earn the most: 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
The most important mechanical drafters skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for mechanical drafters, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Drafting & Design Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like mechanical drafters include:
- Software Developers
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Industrial Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 17-3013.00