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Tech & EngineeringDeclining

Electrical and Electronics Drafter

Operational-level

Also known as: Analog Design Engineer, Analog Integrated Circuits Design Engineer (Analog IC Design Engineer), AutoCAD Drafter, AutoCAD Technician

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As an Electrical and Electronics Drafter, you create detailed drawings for electrical equipment. Your work involves preparing wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and precise layout drawings that guide manufacturing, installation, or repair. You'll typically work indoors in an office, often collaborating closely with engineers and other team members. This role suits those who are highly accurate, enjoy critical thinking, and communicate well, as exactness is key to designing complex systems.
Electrical DraftingElectronics DraftingCircuit DesignCAD DraftingElectrical EngineeringEngineering TechnologyTechnical DrawingEngineeringSTEMTechnical

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Adobe IllustratorAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitBentley MicroStationCC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordPerlPythonSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX
In-demand software
Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk NavisworksAutodesk RevitBentley MicroStationMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookNavisWorks Jetstream

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-3.4%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

1,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

18,900

in 2025 → 18,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

Associate's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The job outlook for Electrical and Electronics Drafters is projected to decline by 3.4% through 2035, with approximately 1,400 openings expected each year. The median annual wage for this role is $76,870. You might start as a Junior Drafter and advance to a Senior Drafter, or specialize into roles like an Electronic Designer.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Junior Drafter
  • CAD Technician
  • Engineering Assistant

Where it can lead

  • Senior Drafter
  • Electronic Designer
  • Design Engineer

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly automate many routine drafting tasks, such as generating standard schematics and basic component layouts, potentially reducing demand for traditional manual roles. Drafters will need to adapt by leveraging AI tools for design validation and optimization, shifting their focus towards interpreting complex engineering intent and managing AI-generated outputs for accuracy and precision. This transition emphasizes collaboration with AI, demanding advanced problem-solving and a deeper understanding of design principles.

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Salary

$76,870

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Electrical Engineering

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Electrical Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Electrical Engineering

University • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

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