Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Prepares you to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Covers specification interpretation, dimensioning techniques, drafting calculations, material estimation, technical communications, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 8 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
- Prepares you to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Covers specification interpretation, dimensioning techniques, drafting calculations, material estimation, technical communications, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.
- CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
- Prepares you to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to the creation of graphic representations and simulations in support of engineering projects. Covers engineering graphics, two-dimensional and three-dimensional engineering design, solids modeling, engineering animation, computer-aided drafting (CAD), computer-aided design (CADD), and auto-CAD techniques.
- Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects. Covers basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, architectural-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.
- Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawing and electronic simulations in support of civil engineers, geological engineers, and related professionals. Covers basic civil engineering principles, geological and seismographic mapping, machine drafting, computer-aided drafting (CAD), pipe drafting, survey interpretation, and blueprint reading.
- Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/Electronics CAD/CADD
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working schematics and representations in support of electrical/electronic engineers, computer engineers, and related professionals. Covers basic electronics, electrical systems and computer layouts; electrode-mechanical drafting; manufacturing circuitry; computer-aided drafting (CAD); and electrical systems specification interpretation.
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations in support of mechanical and industrial engineers, and related professionals. Covers manufacturing materials and processes, mechanical drafting, electrode-mechanical drafting, basic metallurgy, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, blueprint reading, and technical communication.
- 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
- Prepares you to apply technical knowledge and skills in the use of three-dimensional (3-D) computer technology to create technical illustrations and models used in manufacturing, design, production, and construction. Covers 3-D computer-aided design (CAD), 3-D printing, 3-D model design and construction, and 3-D scanning.
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Drafting/design engineering technologies not listed above.
Also called Engineering Graphics and Design, Engineering Graphics Technology
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Median pay
- $66,150
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,100
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingMechanical Drafters
- Median pay
- $71,550
- Hiring change through 2035
- −6.0%
- Job openings a year
- 2,900
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingElectrical and Electronics Drafters
- Median pay
- $76,870
- Hiring change through 2035
- −3.4%
- Job openings a year
- 1,400
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingDrafters, All Other
- Median pay
- $63,520
- Hiring change through 2035
- −7.3%
- Job openings a year
- 1,000
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $53,266 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.
| College | Degrees a year | Earnings, first year out | Admit rate | Average annual cost after aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Missouri MO | 23 | $53,266 | 69% | $13,000 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis IN | 21 | $35,720 | 81% | $11,000 |
| Western Michigan University MI | 21 | $68,647 | 85% | $14,000 |
| Sam Houston State University TX | 20 | — | 85% | $16,000 |
| East Carolina University NC | 17 | — | 90% | $15,000 |
| Murray State University KY | 16 | $43,114 | 86% | $8,000 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design GA | 9 | — | 84% | $49,000 |
| Central Michigan University MI | 8 | $74,597 | 91% | $14,000 |
| Eastern Michigan University MI | 1 | $64,898 | 81% | $14,000 |