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For Educators: Military Resources

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Median Salary
69,260
Job Outlook
-1%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of drafters is projected to decline 1 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 16,900 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$33,280

10%

$69,260

Median

$83,870

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    40%

  • Associate's degree

    23%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    21%

  • High school

    6%

  • Some college

    6%

  • Master's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
  • Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
  • CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
  • Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/Electronics CAD/CADD
  • 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Design
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.