How much does a mechanical drafter make?
a year · about $34 an hour
A typical mechanical drafter in the United States makes $71,550 a year, about $34 an hour, about 1.4× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They use an engineer’s sketch to make or revise precise CAD drawings and 3D models, adding measurements and assembly details. They check the design with engineers, usually at a computer in an office.
Did you know? Some mechanical drafters even create production molds—the special forms factories use to make parts.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $48,360 and $106,580How do you become one?
After high school—often around age 18—many study drafting and CAD at a community or technical college, earning an associate degree in about two years; some complete a shorter certificate. A license is not usually required, certification is optional, and apprenticeship routes are available.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and strong CAD or specialized design skills can affect a mechanical drafter’s pay. It also differs by employer or industry and location; optional certification can show skill, and extra hours may add overtime pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Colorado ($85,280), lowest in North Carolina ($59,050).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $48,360 | $71,550 | $106,580 | about 40,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $85,280 | about 580 |
| New Jersey | $83,380 | about 690 |
| California | $82,510 | about 4,000 |
| Texas | $79,380 | about 5,000 |
| Washington | $76,820 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/drafters.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3013.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY