Mechanical Drafters
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Mechanical Drafters to decrease by -6.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 42,100 to 39,600 jobs. Its estimate of 2,900 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($71,550), education (Associate's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
42,100
Projected employment (2034)
39,600
Projected change (2024–2034)
-6%
Annual openings (projected average)
2,900
Pay & Preparation
$71,550
Associate's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Operations Analysis (3.38/5) • Critical Thinking (3.38/5) • Active Listening (3.25/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.25/5) • Complex Problem Solving (3.25/5) • Active Learning (3.25/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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