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Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Typical education: Associate degreeModerate pressure

What they do

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

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $76,870 Median per year · $36.96/hr Most earn $50,040–$120,290

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Reproduce working drawings on copy machines or trace drawings in ink.
  • Study work order requests to determine type of service, such as lighting or power, demanded by installation.
  • Train students to use drafting machines and to prepare schematic diagrams, block diagrams, control drawings, logic diagrams, integrated circuit drawings, or interconnection diagrams.
  • Select drill size to drill test head, according to test design and specifications, and submit guide layout to designated department.
  • Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
  • Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.

Job outlook

United States
3% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 1,400 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Engineering services26.6%
  • Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors16.7%
  • Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing5.9%
  • Self-employed (their own business)5.0%
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing3.8%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Electrical and Electronics Drafters usually enter the field with an associate degree in drafting or electrical technology, often followed by one to two years of hands-on drafting experience. From high school, the typical path takes about 4 to 6 years, including the on-the-job time.

  1. High school diploma with math, drafting, and computer courses

    4 years

    Strong math and drafting or CAD classes build the skills you need for reading and making technical drawings.

  2. Associate degree in drafting or electrical/electronics technology

    2 years

    A two-year program teaches electrical symbols, circuit diagrams, CAD software, and industry drawing standards.

  3. Drafting Technician

    1-2 years

    Entry-level drafting work, often through internships or junior roles, lets you practice on real projects and build experience with CAD tools.

  4. Electrical and Electronics Drafter

    Ongoing

    You prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board layouts, and installation drawings used to make, install, or repair electrical equipment.

Where it can lead

  1. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist

    2-4 years of experience first

    You move from drawing designs to testing, troubleshooting, and helping engineers build and improve electrical systems, usually with more hands-on responsibility.

  2. Electrical Engineer

    4-6 years of experience first

    This role requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and focuses on designing systems and making engineering decisions rather than producing drawings.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take algebra, geometry, and trigonometryStrong math skills are used every day when reading and creating electrical drawings.
  • Take drafting, CAD, or technical drawing classesThese classes teach you how to read and make technical drawings, which is the core skill of this job.
  • Join a robotics, engineering, or electronics clubHands-on building of circuits and machines shows you how electrical systems work in real life.
  • Enter a technical or engineering competitionCompetitions give you practice designing and documenting projects and look good on applications.
  • Get a starter job or volunteer for a summer helper roleWorking with electricians, maintenance crews, or a local shop helps you learn how wiring and equipment are installed.

In college

  • Enroll in an associate program in drafting or electrical technologyThis is the most common training route, and it teaches circuit symbols, wiring diagram standards, and CAD.
  • Learn AutoCAD or another CAD program on your ownKnowing CAD software well makes you a stronger candidate for entry-level drafting jobs.
  • Apply for a drafting or engineering internshipAn internship gives you the 1-2 years of practical experience employers often want, and it can lead to a job offer.
  • Take basic electricity and electronics coursesUnderstanding how circuits work helps you draw diagrams that are accurate and useful to technicians.
  • Join a student engineering or technology clubClubs offer hands-on projects, networking with professionals, and a way to build a portfolio of drawings.

Tips for getting started

  • Learn a CAD program such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks early, since most drafting jobs expect you to know at least one. Free student versions are often available through schools.
  • Look for internships or part-time jobs at electrical contractors, manufacturers, or utilities to gain the 1-2 years of experience employers usually want.
  • Pick an associate program that includes an internship or co-op, because these connect you to employers and often lead to job offers.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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