Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Also called: Analog Design Engineer, Analog Integrated Circuits Design Engineer (Analog IC Design Engineer), AutoCAD Drafter, AutoCAD Technician, CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter), CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman)
Median pay
$76,870
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$50,040 – $120,290
People employed
17,920
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Electrical and Electronics Drafters pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (43 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What electrical and electronics drafters do
- 01Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
- 02Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
- 03Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
- 04Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
- 05Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
- 06Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from electrical and electronics drafters
- Electrical Engineers81% · +57%
- Mechanical Engineers77% · +35%
- Industrial Engineers76% · +33%
- Computer Hardware Engineers75% · +110%
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer75% · +69%
Change into electrical and electronics drafters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists80% · $81,390
- Wind Energy Engineers76% · $122,930
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians74% · $116,580
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists74% · $130,220
- Traffic Technicians74% · $59,090
Majors that lead here
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
- Integrated Circuit Design Technology/Technician
- Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
- Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
- CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
- Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/Electronics CAD/CADD
- 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.