Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma. PayThe median annual wage for drafters was $68,090 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of drafters is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 14,400 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drafters. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for drafters was $68,090 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of drafters is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 14,400 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drafters. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of drafters is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 14,400 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drafters. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
Work Environment
Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time.
How to Become a Drafter
Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma.
Pay
The median annual wage for drafters was $68,090 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of drafters is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 14,400 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drafters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time.
How to Become a Drafter
Drafters typically complete education after high school, often through a program at a community college or technical school. Some programs lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree. Others result in a certificate or diploma.
Pay
The median annual wage for drafters was $68,090 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of drafters is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 14,400 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drafters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drafters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drafters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about drafters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.