Essay Database

Type of Work Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from manufactured products, such as toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft, to structures, such as houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines. Their drawings provide visual guidelines, show the technical details of the products and structures, and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in details, using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes, and calculations previously made …

…their knowledge to a larger range of tasks. Wages Wages for drafters vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual salaries of architectural and civil drafters were $37,330 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,170 and $45,500. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56,260. Median annual salaries of mechanical drafters were $40,730 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,100 and $51,950. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,780.