Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota
Thinking about a career as a Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota? Below are the key facts. Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
What do Mechanical Drafters Make in South Dakota?
The mechanical drafters working in South Dakota, the typical annual salary is $51,270 per year (or about $24.65/hour).Earnings range from $40,770 at the 10th percentile to $67,600 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,770 | $19.60 |
| 25th percentile | $46,500 | $22.36 |
| Median (50th) | $51,270 | $24.65 |
| 75th percentile | $60,090 | $28.89 |
| 90th percentile | $67,600 | $32.50 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in South Dakota compared to the national average — is 0.92.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, mechanical drafters earn a median of $78,252 per year ($37.62/hour), below the South Dakota median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 112,826 mechanical drafters nationwide. In South Dakota alone, around 110 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 540 mechanical drafters.
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
Key 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
Top 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
Software and systems commonly involved: 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
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to 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
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