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Mechanical Drafter

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AVG. SALARY

$60,360

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EDUCATION

Associate's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Mechanical Drafters Career Video

About This Career

Prepares detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Manufacturing Production Process Development pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Develops detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
  • Produces three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Lays out and draws schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
  • Modifies and revises designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
  • Reviews and analyzes specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
  • Checks dimensions of materials to be used and assigns numbers to the materials.
  • Designs scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
  • Computes mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
  • Coordinates with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
  • Positions instructions and comments onto drawings.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer)
  • CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator)
  • Design Drafter
  • Drafter
  • Drafting Technician
  • Mechanical Designer
  • Product Designer
  • Project Designer

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support