Drafter
How to Become a Drafter
Drafters are responsible for preparing the technical drawings and plans that are used by manufacturing and construction workers to build anything from oil pipelines, office buildings, manufactured consumer products, to family homes. They take the ideas of architects, engineers, and designers and create plans that provide all of the technical details and design elements that enable an object to be constructed.
In the past, all of the technical drawings created by drafters were manually completed at a drawing board. With substantial technological advancements, however, drafters are able to do a large portion of their work with the help of computer software. Computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems allow drafters to create technical drawings on a video screen and easily make revisions, variations and copies of their work. All work completed on a CAD system is stored electronically allowing for easy access and modification. Although a CAD program makes drafting easier, it is only a tool, and drafters need to be properly trained to use this tool as well as in technical drawing.
Drafter Education Requirements
Most drafters participate in training programs to help them develop the skills that are necessary to be successful in this field. Job opportunities are best for those who have had at least 2 years of postsecondary training in drafting and CAD. Employers will be most interested in drafters who have the abilities to adapt to ever-changing technological advancements, and can apply their knowledge to a broad range of responsibilities.
Drafting Salary Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings of architectural and civil drafters were $41,960 in May 2006. Also in May 2006, salaries of mechanical drafters were reported to be $43,700, and electrical and electronics drafters earned $46,830.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition
