Mechanical Drafters
Medium57.37%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$43,420
Median$64,060
High (90th %)$102,110
AI Prompt Guides for Mechanical Drafters
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Mechanical Drafters. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Mechanical Drafters
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
The occupation "Mechanical Drafters" has an automation risk of 57.4%, which is closely aligned with the base risk of 58.3%. This relatively high risk is primarily due to the increasing adoption of computer-assisted drafting (CAD) technologies and sophisticated software that can quickly and accurately generate detailed design drawings and specifications. The three most automatable tasks for mechanical drafters include supervising and training other drafters and technologists, developing detailed drawings and specifications using CAD equipment, and producing three-dimensional models with CAD software. These activities are becoming more streamlined as artificial intelligence and automation tools enhance collaboration and reduce the need for direct human oversight. As these systems improve, routine drafting tasks and even some supervisory responsibilities are expected to become more automated. However, there are certain aspects of mechanical drafting that remain resistant to automation. Tasks such as shading or coloring drawings to highlight intricate details, drawing freehand sketches, and reproducing illustrations for reference materials involve nuanced manual skills and creative problem-solving. For example, using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays to clarify dimensions or manually tracing finished drawings requires a level of visual judgment and dexterity that current technology struggles to replicate. Likewise, laying out and drawing illustrations for manuals demands not only artistic fluency but also an understanding of how to communicate technical information visually. These specialized tasks rely on a blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and manual skill that continues to be challenging for automated systems to match. A significant bottleneck in fully automating mechanical drafting lies in the skill of originality, reflected in bottleneck skills with levels of 3.3% and 3.4%. Originality remains a critical component, especially when projects require unique solutions or creative approaches to design challenges that go beyond generating standard technical documentation. While software can generate repetitive or templated drawings with relative ease, it still lacks the capacity to innovate or adapt to unconventional requirements that demand human insight and novel ideas. Therefore, even as automation expands, the value of original thinking and creative skill will likely preserve a substantial portion of the occupation's tasks from becoming fully automated, resulting in a moderate overall automation risk.
Filter by Automatable Status
Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
Partially Automatable
Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
Partially Automatable
Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Partially Automatable
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
Partially Automatable
Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
Partially Automatable
Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
Partially Automatable
Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
Automatable
Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
Partially Automatable
Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
Partially Automatable
Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
Partially Automatable
Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
Partially Automatable
Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background, using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays.
Automatable
Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Partially Automatable
Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Education and TrainingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageTherapy and CounselingGeography
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming General Physical Activities
ERP softwareSofTech CADRABill of materials softwareAutodesk InventorAdobe LiveMotionMotion graphics softwarePiping and instrumentation design PID softwareScanning softwarePTC Pro/CableAutodesk MechanicalThree-dimensional scanning softwareGraphic presentation softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP softwareMicrosoft AccessAutodesk RevitDassault Systemes CATIAPTC Creo ParametricBentley MicroStationAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DDocument management system softwareTrimble SketchUp ProDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcGIS softwareRapid prototyping softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareSiemens Solid EdgeMcNeel Rhinoceros 3DMotion graphics softwareComputer aided design and drafting software CADDAdobe LiveMotionAdobe After EffectsSiemens Solid EdgeReverse engineering softwareAutodesk InventorScanning softwarePTC Pro/CableAutodesk MechanicalBentley NavigatorNon uniform rational b-splines NURBS softwareExtensible markup language XMLGraphic presentation softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordMicrosoft AccessAutodesk RevitDassault Systemes CATIAPTC Creo ParametricAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStationDocument management system softwareTrimble SketchUp ProDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcGIS softwareRapid prototyping softwareMcNeel Rhinoceros 3DSofTech CADRA1CadCam UnigraphicsComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareComputer aided design and drafting software CADD1CadCam UnigraphicsPiping and instrumentation design PID softwareAdobe After EffectsERP softwareBill of materials softwareReverse engineering softwareThree-dimensional scanning softwareNon uniform rational b-splines NURBS softwareBentley NavigatorExtensible markup language XMLSAP software
Software Developers
Medium51.32%
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Mechatronics Engineers
Medium50.13%
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Medium55.34%
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Medium56.65%
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium52.78%
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Machinists
Medium41.66%
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.80%
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Medium46.07%
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.53%
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
High68.97%
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Interior Designers
Medium48.98%
Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.