---

Mechanical Drafters in North Carolina

Considering working as a Mechanical Drafters in North Carolina? Here’s what the data says. Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

What do Mechanical Drafters Make in North Carolina?

For mechanical drafters working in North Carolina, the median annual wage is $61,990 per year (or about $29.80/hour).Earnings range from $44,270 at the 10th percentile to $84,350 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$44,270	$21.28
25th percentile	$51,990	$25.00
Median (50th)	$61,990	$29.80
75th percentile	$73,800	$35.48
90th percentile	$84,350	$40.55

The job concentration index in North Carolina nationwide is 0.67, suggesting fewer mechanical drafters per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, mechanical drafters earn a median of $78,252 per year ($37.62/hour), below the North Carolina median.

Employment Outlook

There are roughly 112,826 mechanical drafters across the United States. In North Carolina alone, approximately 850 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 540 mechanical drafters.

Top North Carolina Metros for Mechanical Drafters

These are the North Carolina metros with the most mechanical drafters in North Carolina.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC	250	$63,500
Greensboro-High Point, NC	110	$60,820
Raleigh-Cary, NC	110	$62,240
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC	40	$58,390
Winston-Salem, NC	40	$53,780
Asheville, NC	30	$60,820
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	30	$64,750

Top States for Mechanical Drafters Employment

These states have the highest employment of mechanical drafters work.

State	Number Employed
Texas	3,460
California	3,360
Ohio	2,130
Pennsylvania	2,070
New York	2,030
Wisconsin	2,010
Florida	1,970
Michigan	1,720
Washington	1,600
Indiana	1,590
Minnesota	1,450
Tennessee	1,250
North Carolina	850
Massachusetts	840
Missouri	820
New Jersey	780
Arizona	720
Illinois	710
Utah	610
Alabama	590

Highest-Paying States for Mechanical Drafters

These states pay the most for mechanical drafters.

State	Annual Median Salary
New Mexico	$85,220
Colorado	$85,050
Vermont	$81,840
California	$80,430
Arizona	$80,270
Nevada	$79,710
Oregon	$79,660
New Jersey	$79,190
Maryland	$77,300
Texas	$76,740

Skills

The most important mechanical drafters skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

Key abilities for mechanical drafters, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Mechanical Drafters typically:

• Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
• Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
• Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production 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.
• Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
• Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
• Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
• Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
• Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
• Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
• Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
• Getting Information
• Thinking Creatively
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe After Effects, Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D In-demand technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Navisworks

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Programs that train for this career include:

• Drafting & Design Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Related Careers

Related occupations to mechanical drafters include:

• Software Developers
• Electrical Engineers
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Industrial Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Mechatronics Engineers

Also Known As

Aeronautical Drafter, Architectural Drafter, Auto Design Detailer, Auto Design Drafter (Automotive Design Drafter), Auto Design Layout Drafter (Automotive Design Layout Drafter), AutoCAD Designer, AutoCAD Drafter, AutoCAD Technician, Body Design Checker, Body Designer, CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer), CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter), CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter), CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman).

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3013.00