Drafters

The drafter usually works in a well-lit, air-conditioned, quiet room. This may be a central drafting room where drafters work side by side at large, tilted drawing tables or at CAD workstations. Some drafters work in an individual department, such as engineering, research, or development, where they work alone or with other drafters and with engineers, designers, or scientists. Occasionally, drafters may need to visit other departments or construction sites to consult with engineers or to gain firsthand information. In general, this is a desk job.

Most drafters work a 40-hour week with little overtime. Drafters work at drawing tables or CAD workstations for long periods of time, doing work that requires undivided concentration, close visual work, and very precise and accurate computations and drawings. There is generally little pressure, but occasionally last-minute design changes or a rush order may create tension or require overtime.