Electrical and Electronics Drafters

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

SOC: 17-3012.00

Common Job Titles

Computer-Aided Design OperatorDrafterElectrical DesignerStaking Technician (Staking Tech)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeCreate innovative electrical design solutions and drafting standards incorporating emerging technologies and industry best practices into documentation workflows.
  • Hands-onExecute wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MicroStation for electrical equipment manufacture and installation.
  • KnowledgeApply engineering and technology principles to develop technical specifications and design documentation for electrical systems.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate technical drawings and specifications for compliance with industry standards working independently to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Hands-onOperate computer-aided design software and drafting tools to produce detailed technical documentation and assembly diagrams with precision.
  • KnowledgeOrganize drafting project schedules, priorities, and deliverables managing multiple concurrent projects while meeting production deadlines.
  • KnowledgeAssess design alternatives and drafting methodologies applying critical thinking to recommend improvements in electrical layout efficiency and manufacturability.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze electrical system requirements and design constraints collaborating with engineers and technical teams to determine optimal layout solutions.
  • KnowledgeApply mathematics and physics principles to calculate specifications and verify dimensional accuracy in electrical drafting projects.
  • MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary teams including engineers, designers, and production personnel to clarify design requirements and resolve technical discrepancies.
  • KnowledgeInterpret engineering specifications, sketches, and verbal instructions to translate conceptual designs into detailed technical drawings.
  • MindsetRespect professional quality standards and ethical documentation practices ensuring accuracy, integrity, and safety in all electrical drafting deliverables.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Electrical and Electronics Drafters (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

20,020

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$48,680
10% of workers earn the following or more$110,180
Workers on average earn$77,960

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Design4.4/5
  • Engineering and Technology4.3/5
  • Computers and Electronics4.2/5
  • English Language3.9/5
  • Mathematics3.6/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe IllustratorAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitBentley MicroStationCC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordPerlPythonSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX

Technology Skills

1CadCam UnigraphicsAveva Group Plant Design Management System PDMSBentley AutoPLANTBentley I/RAS BBentley PlantSpace SupportModelerBentley Systems ProjectWiseBowen & Groves M1 ERPCOADE CADWorx P&ID

Tools & Equipment

CompassesDesktop computersDividersDrafting curvesDrafting machinesDrafting trianglesPersonal computersProtractors