Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionMathematicsCritical ThinkingActive ListeningActive LearningSpeaking
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Mechanical Drafter pay by experience level
Entry level$50,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$60,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$74,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$89,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$110,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-6.5%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
3,300
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Mechanical Drafter salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
9,130 workers
$84,500
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
7,040 workers
$84,500
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
6,540 workers
$70,000
Machinery Manufacturing
6,010 workers
$71,000
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3323 and 3324 only)
4,490 workers
$69,500
Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only)
4,260 workers
$72,500
Specialty Trade Contractors
3,300 workers
$87,500
Building Equipment Contractors
3,060 workers
$88,500
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
2,960 workers
$89,000
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
1,850 workers
$72,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Mechanical Drafter pays 28% below the average across 59 roles in the Architecture and Engineering job family (family average $108,000).
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