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Overview

Drafters prepare working plans and detailed drawings of products or structures from the rough sketches, specifications, and calculations of engineers, architects, and designers. These drawings are used in engineering or manufacturing processes to reproduce exactly the product or structure desired, according to the specified dimensions. The drafter uses knowledge of various machines, engineering practices, mathematics, and building materials, along with other physical sciences and extensive computer skills, to complete the drawings. There are approximately 199,900 drafters working in the United States.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000

Minimum Education Level

Associate's Degree

Certification/License

Recommended

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average
Personality Traits

Artistic

Realistic

Technical

Career Ladder
Senior or Chief Drafter

Drafter

Junior Drafter or Drafting Technician

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