Mechanical Drafters
Manufacturing · Manufacturing Production Process Development
Pay and outlook shown for
New workers start near $50,680; experienced workers reach $103,320. About 190 people do this job in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX.
Job outlook
Alamo region (San Antonio and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034; U.S. figures from the BLS.
- Employment change
- +1.6%
- Openings a year
- 17
- Employed in 2024
- 193
Typical entry education: Associate's degree
Alamo Colleges programs that lead here
1 program, with the college that teaches each.
Skills this career uses
The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Mathematics3.9
- Active Learning3.6
- Active Listening3.5
- Critical Thinking3.3
- Speaking3.8
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Writing3.1
What the work is
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
- Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
- Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
- Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
- Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
- Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
Education people in this job have
Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.
- Certificate8%
- Some college7%
- Associate degree61%
- Bachelor's degree20%
- Master's degree3%
Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.
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