Drafter
Drafters are professionals responsible for translating designs into technical schematics and diagrams, primarily using computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) software. Their work is essential in various fields, including architecture, civil engineering, and electronics, where they create detailed drawings that specify construction parameters. Drafters typically work in indoor office environments under the supervision of engineers or architects, collaborating closely with team members to ensure accuracy and adherence to project specifications.
Individuals interested in drafting often possess strong mathematical and engineering skills, along with a keen eye for detail and visual acuity. A career in drafting generally requires an associate's degree, although some positions may benefit from further education. Drafters may specialize in areas such as electrical, mechanical, or civil drafting, each focusing on different aspects of design and construction. The role demands effective communication skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines, as drafters often juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Overall, drafting is a critical profession that combines creativity and technical skills to bring engineering concepts to life.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Drafter
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Mathematics, engineering, drawing
Earnings (Yearly Median): $60,400 per year $29.04 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -2% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Drafting is the process of translating or converting designs into technical schematics and diagrams. Most modern drafting is done using computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) software, and drafters are sometimes called CADD operators. Drafting can be used to design a variety of objects, ranging from architectural projects to small components for electronics. Drafters are also responsible for adding dimensions and other technical elements to designs to specify construction parameters. They may specialize in specific types of drafting, including architectural, civil engineering, and electronics drafting.
Work Environment. Drafters usually work in an indoor office environment, supervised by engineers or architects. In small offices, there may be only one drafter present, while larger engineering or architectural firms may hire multiple drafters to work on various projects.
Drafters may work alongside other office workers who manage accounting, customer service, advertising, marketing, and other aspects of the business. They must be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team working within an engineering or architectural office.
Occupation Interest. Individuals attracted to careers in drafting tend to be detail-oriented and have a strong background in mathematics or engineering. Drafting is a skill that is learned by a variety of engineering and architectural professionals, and many people who work as drafters do so to advance within these fields.
Visual acuity and technical aptitude are among the most important traits for a drafter to have, and individuals who are drawn to the field tend to enjoy drawing and have skill in judging perspective and dimension. Drafters must also be able to work under tight deadlines and, therefore, must have the time-management skills necessary to complete their work within the parameters of a given project.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Drafters typically work as part of a design-and-development team that translates the ideas of engineers into designs for construction or manufacturing. They generally work during regular business hours, and the set of tasks for any given day may vary considerably. Typically, drafters consult with project managers, engineers, and architects during a typical business day to plan and schedule projects.
Drafters may spend part of a business day translating paper drawings to CADD format, or they may work directly in CADD to design a new schematic. A certain amount of time must also be spent updating or refining existing CADD designs following a review and incorporating additional requirements determined by the engineers. Some time might be spent conducting office work, such as sending schematics or design templates to clients or customers and communicating with others in the office about ongoing and future projects.
Electrical Drafters (003.281-010). Electrical drafters prepare wiring diagrams and drawings of electrical equipment for use by construction and repair workers who build, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring.
Civil Drafters (005.281-010). Civil drafters prepare detailed construction drawings, topographical profiles and related maps, and specification sheets used in the planning and construction of highways, flood control, drainage, and other projects.
Mechanical Drafters (007.281-010). Mechanical drafters prepare detailed working drawings of machinery and mechanical devices.
Marine Drafters (014.281-010). Marine drafters make drawings of ships, docks, and other marine structures and equipment.
Commercial Drafters (017.261-026). Commercial drafters perform general duties in all-around drafting, such as laying out building locations, planning arrangements, and preparing charts, forms, and records.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most drafters work within professional engineering or architectural offices, which may or may not be cubicle-type office environments. Typically, drafters use a large work desk that holds their computer and also allows sufficient space to lay out paper designs for reference and examination.
Plant Environment. Drafters may occasionally work in engineering plant environments to closely monitor where the parts are manufactured using drafted designs.
Human Environment. Drafters work under the supervision of engineers or architects and must communicate effectively to complete collaborative projects. In addition, they may work alongside a variety of office workers who assist in preparing, presenting, and marketing various products.
Technological Environment. Professional drafters utilize some form of CADD software and may use a variety of other programs depending on the nature of their work. They occasionally use three-dimensional modeling software to create designs for various products or component parts. There are also project-management software programs that allow drafters, engineers, and other specialists to collaborate on designs through a computer network.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Some high schools offer courses in drafting, which may include traditional pen-and-paper design methods as well as basic CADD courses. In addition, high school students looking to pursue a career in drafting can benefit from technical drawing and art classes, as well as geometry and basic mathematics. Students can also engage in computer literacy programs in high school that will enable them to better learn the various types of software used in drafting.
Postsecondary. Most drafting specialists have at least an associate’s degree in a related field before being hired for professional projects. Community colleges sometimes offer drafting classes as well as programs in industrial and technical design. The community college environment also allows students to pursue classes in related areas, including mathematics, engineering, computer science, and architecture. By contrast, technical institutes may offer more specific classes aimed at those pursuing a career in drafting. Technical institutes are more likely than community colleges or four-year postsecondary institutions to offer classes in specific types of drafting, as well as classes focused on using CADD programs and other types of software used in technical design.
Though many drafting positions require only an associate’s degree, those with bachelor’s degrees or higher may have an advantage in seeking employment. Some professionals work as drafters while serving as interns in an engineering or architecture firm and use the position as a stepping stone toward a career as a professional engineer or architect. In addition, advanced training in mathematics, engineering, and architecture can help drafters advance in their careers by being involved in other aspects of the production process.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Drafters." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/drafters.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.