Drafters prepare technical drawings used by production and construction workers to build spacecraft, automobiles, industrial machinery and other manufactured products, as well as structures such as office buildings, houses, bridges, and oil and gas pipelines. Their drawings show the technical details of the products and structures from all sides, with exact dimensions, the specific materials to be used, procedures to be followed, and other information needed to carry out the job. Drafters prepare and fill in technical details, using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations made by engineers, surveyors, architects, and scientists. For example, working from rough sketches, drafters use knowledge of standardized building techniques to draw the details of a structure, or employ knowledge of engineering and manufacturing theory to arrange the parts of a machine and determine the number and kind of fasteners needed. For this, they may use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and computers.
There are two methods by which drawings are prepared. In the traditional method, drafters sit at drawing boards and use compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices to prepare the drawing manually. Drafters also use computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems. They use computer work stations to create the drawing on a video screen. They may print the drawing on paper but also store it electronically so that revisions and/or duplications can be made more easily. These systems also permit drafters to easily prepare many variations of a design.
When CAD systems were first introduced, some thought a new occupation CAD operator would result. It is now apparent that a person who produces a technical drawing using CAD is still a drafter, and needs all the knowledge of traditional drafters as well as CAD skills.
Because the cost of CAD systems is dropping rapidly, by the year 2005 it is likely that almost all drafters will use CAD systems regularly. However, manual drafting probably will still be used in certain applications, especially in low-volume firms that produce many one-of-a-kind drawings with little repetition.
Many drafters specialize. Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings and other structures. They may specialize by the type of structure, such as schools or office buildings, or by material, such as reinforced concrete or stone.
Aeronautical drafters prepare engineering drawings used for the manufacture of aircraft and missiles.
Electrical drafters draw wiring and layout diagrams used by workers who erect, install, and repair electrical equipment and wiring in powerplants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.
Electronic drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic equipment.
Civil drafters prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewage systems.
Mechanical drafters draw detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Computer-aided design systems enable drafters to make revisions to designs more easily.
Drafters usually work in offices or rooms with lighting appropriate to their tasks. They often sit at drawing boards or computer terminals for long periods of time doing detailed work, which may cause eyestrain and back discomfort. Drafters who spend the majority of their time using a computer keyboard for CAD work risk repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Drafters held about 314,000 jobs in 1992. Over one-third of all drafters worked in engineering and architectural services, firms that design construction projects or do other engineering work on a contract basis for organizations in other parts of the economy; about one-third worked in durable goods manufacturing industries, such as machinery, electrical equipment, and fabricated metals; and the remainder were mostly employed in the construction, communications, utilities, and personnel supply services industries.
About 11,000 drafters worked in government in 1992, primarily at the State and local level.
Employers prefer applicants for drafting positions who have post-high school training in technical institutes, junior and community colleges, or extension divisions of universities. Employers are most interested in applicants who have well-developed drafting and mechanical drawing skills, a solid background in computer-aided design techniques, and courses in mathematics, science, and engineering technology.
Many types of publicly and privately operated schools provide drafting training. The kind and quality of programs can vary considerably. Therefore, prospective students should be careful in selecting a program. They should contact prospective employers regarding their preferences and ask schools to provide information about the kinds of jobs obtained by graduates, instructional facilities and equipment, and faculty qualifications.
Technical institutes offer intensive technical training but less theory and general education than junior and community colleges. Many offer 2-year associate degree programs, which are similar to or part of the programs offered by community colleges or State university systems. Other technical institutes are run by private, often for-profit, organizations, sometimes called proprietary schools; their programs vary considerably in length and types of courses offered. Some are 2-year associate degree programs.
Junior and community colleges offer curriculums similar to those in technical institutes but may include more theory and liberal arts. Often there may be little or no difference between technical institute and community college programs. However, courses taken at junior or community colleges are more likely to be accepted for credit at 4-year colleges than those at technical institutes. After completing the 2-year program, some graduates qualify for jobs as drafters while others continue their education in a related field at 4-year colleges.
Four-year colleges usually do not offer drafting training, but college courses in engineering, architecture, and mathematics are useful for obtaining a job as a drafter.
Area vocational-technical schools are postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize training needed by local employers. Most require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission.
Other training may be obtained in the Armed Forces in technical areas which can be applied in civilian drafting jobs. Some additional training may be needed, depending on the military skills acquired and the kind of job, but often this is gained on the job.
Those planning careers in drafting should be able to draw freehand three-dimensional objects and do detailed work accurately and neatly. Artistic ability is helpful in some specialized fields, as is knowledge of manufacturing and construction methods. In addition, prospective drafters should have good communication skills because they work closely with engineers, surveyors, architects, and other workers.
In 1992, the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) established a certification program for drafters. Although drafters are not required to be certified, certification demonstrates to employers that nationally recognized standards have been met. Individuals who wish to become certified must pass the Drafter Certification Test, which is administered periodically at ADDA-authorized test sites. Applicants are tested on their knowledge and understanding of basic drafting concepts such as geometric construction, working drawings, and architectural terms and standards.
Entry level drafters usually do routine work under close supervision. After gaining experience, they do more difficult work with less supervision and may advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor. With appropriate college courses, they may become engineers or architects.
Employment of drafters is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Industrial growth and the increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and processes will increase the demand for drafting services. However, greater use of CAD equipment by architects and engineers, as well as drafters, is expected to offset some of this growth in demand. Although productivity gains from CAD have been relatively modest since CAD use became widespread, CAD technology continues to advance. CAD is expected to become an increasingly powerful tool, simplifying many traditional drafting tasks. Nevertheless, as in other areas, the ease of obtaining computer-generated information stimulates a demand for more information, so there will continue to be growth in the occupation. Individuals who have at least 2 years of training in a technically strong drafting program and who have experience with CAD systems will have the best opportunities. Although growth in employment will create many job openings, most job openings are expected to arise as drafters retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.
Drafters are highly concentrated in industries that are sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy, such as engineering and architectural services and durable goods manufacturing. During recessions, when fewer buildings are designed, drafters may be laid off.
Median annual earnings of drafters who worked year round, full time were about $27,400 in 1992; the middle 50 percent earned between $20,600 and $35,100 annually; 10 percent earned more than $43,500; 10 percent earned less than $15,900.
According to a survey of workplaces in 160 metropolitan areas, experienced drafters had median earnings of about $30,200 a year in 1992, with the middle half earning between about $27,100 and $34,000 a year.
Other workers who prepare or analyze detailed drawings and make precise calculations and measurements include architects, landscape architects, engineers, engineering technicians, science technicians, photogrammetrists, cartographers, and surveyors.
Return to Beginning of Page 
Return to Technology - Non Health Page
Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor