Mechanical engineering drafter
Also known as: machinery engineering drafter, mechanical draftsperson, mechanical design draughting supervisor, mechanical design drafting operative, mechanical design drafting inspector, machinery engineering draftsperson
About this occupation
Mechanical engineering drafters convert mechanical engineers' designs and sketches into technical drawings detailing dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used for example in manufacturing processes.
A specialisation of drafter.
Essential skills and knowledge
- create solutions to problems
- create technical plans
- manual draughting techniques
- technical drawings
- mechanical engineering
- use technical drawing software
- CAD software
- use CAD software
- mathematics
- use manual draughting techniques
- design drawings
- liaise with engineers
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Mechanical Drafters (O*NET 17-3013.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
- Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
- Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
- Create bills of materials.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Operations Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Mathematics, Active Learning
US median pay: US$71,550 a year (2025), 39,960 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.6)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.5)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.2)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters
- Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
- Machinists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.