Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans, which are used by production and construction workers to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers.
Related job titles are: Designer, CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Drafter, Draftsman, Architectural Drafter, Mechanical Drafter, Mechanical Designer, or CAD/CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist.
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Important Drafter and Designer degree information -Top of Page-
- Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of technicsal school training in drafting
- Overall employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, but growth will vary by specialty
How much does a Drafter and Designer make in salary? || Drafter and Designer pay -Top of Page-
Median annual wages of architectural and civil drafters were $44,490 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $35,290 and $55,740. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $28,220, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $67,110. Median annual wages for architectural and civil drafters in architectural, engineering, and related services were $44,390.
Median annual wages of mechanical drafters were $46,640 in May 2008.
Median annual wages of electrical and electronics drafters were $51,320 in May 2008.
What is a Drafter and Designer? || What does a Drafter and Designer do? || Job descriptions -Top of Page-
Drafters' drawings provide visual guidelines and show how to construct a product or structure. Drawings include technical details and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists. For example, many drafters use their knowledge of standardized building techniques to draw in the details of structures. Some use their understanding of engineering and manufacturing theory and standards to draw the parts of a machine; they determine design elements, such as the numbers and kinds of fasteners needed to assemble the machine. Drafters use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and computers to complete their work.
Most drafters use Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems to prepare drawings. Consequently, some drafters may be referred to as CADD operators. With CADD systems, drafters can create and store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. CADD systems also permit drafters to quickly prepare variations of a design. Although drafters use CADD extensively, they still need knowledge of traditional drafting techniques in order to fully understand and explain concepts.
Work environment for Drafters and Designers -Top of Page-
Drafters usually work in comfortable offices. Most drafters work a standard 40-hour week; only a small number work part time.
How to become a Drafter and Designer || Drafter and Designer classes and degree programs -Top of Page-
Employers prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary school training in drafting, which is offered by technical institutes, community colleges, and some 4-year colleges and universities. Employers are most interested in applicants with well-developed drafting and mechanical drawing skills; knowledge of drafting standards, mathematics, science, and engineering technology; and a solid background in CADD techniques.
High school classes in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, where available, drafting are useful for people considering a drafting career. Employers prefer applicants who have also completed training after high school at a technical institute, community college, or 4-year college or university.
Technical institutes offer intensive technical training. Either certificates or diplomas may be awarded, and programs can vary considerably in length and in the types of classes offered. Many technical institutes offer 2-year associate degree programs.
Where are the Drafter and Designer jobs? -Top of Page-
Drafters held about 251,900 jobs in 2008. Architectural and civil drafters held 47 percent of these jobs, mechanical drafters held about 31 percent, and electrical and electronics drafters held about 13 percent. About 52 percent of all jobs for drafters were in architectural, engineering, and related services firms that design construction projects or do other engineering work on a contract basis for other industries. Another 24 percent of jobs were in manufacturing industries such as machinery, fabricated metal products, computer and electronic products, and transportation-equipment manufacturing. Approximately 3 percent of drafters were self-employed in 2008.
Drafter and Designer job opportunities and outlook -Top of Page-
Employment of drafters is expected to grow by 4 percent between 2008 and 2018. Architectural and civil drafting is expected to be the fastest growing specialty, increasing by 9 percent. Increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes will increase the demand for mechanical drafters and electronic and electrical drafters employed in engineering and drafting services firms that will be charged with finding solutions to these problems.
Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of postsecondary training in a drafting program that provides strong technical skills and considerable experience with CADD systems. CADD has increased the complexity of drafting applications while enhancing the productivity of drafters. It also has enhanced the nature of drafting by creating more possibilities for design and drafting.