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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 17-3013 Mechanical Drafters
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
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Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment. Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines. Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems. Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials. Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed. Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems. Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment. Position instructions and comments onto drawings. Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $17.85   Entry $37,117.00
Mean $28.82   Mean $59,951.00
Experience $34.31 Experience $71,363.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
610700651.38
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No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
17-3013.00 Mechanical Drafters