Job Placement

Salaries & Advancement:

Drafters' earnings vary by specialty, location, and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of architectural and civil drafters were $39,190 in May 2004. Median annual earnings for architectural and civil drafters in architectural, engineering, and related services were $38,760.

Median annual earnings of mechanical drafters were $43,000 in May 2004. Median annual earnings for mechanical drafters in architectural, engineering, and related services were $44,560.

Median annual earnings of electrical and electronics drafters were $43,180 in May 2004. In architectural, engineering, and related services, median annual earnings for electrical and electronics drafters were $42,200.

The above information is courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level or junior drafters usually do routine work under close supervision. After gaining experience, they may become intermediate drafters and progress to more difficult work with less supervision. At the intermediate level, they may need to exercise more judgment and perform calculations when preparing and modifying drawings. Drafters may eventually advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor. Many employers pay for continuing education, and, with appropriate college degrees, drafters may go on to become engineering technicians, engineers, or architects.