Electrical and Electronics Drafters
O*NET 17-3012.00 · SOC 17-3012
Electrical and Electronics Drafter is a risky career choice. Median pay is $77k a year with -3.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 1,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Draw wiring diagrams for electrical panels and circuits.
- →Draft schematics showing electronic component connections and layouts.
- →Create printed circuit board layout drawings for manufacturing.
- →Update electrical drawings to reflect field installation changes.
- →Prepare cable routing diagrams for industrial control systems.
Education & How to Get In
Most Electrical and Electronics Drafter positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Electrical and Electronics Drafter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Electrical and Electronics Drafter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Electrical and Electronics Drafter Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Electrical and Electronics Drafters is projected to decline 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Electrical and Electronics Drafter make?
The median Electrical and Electronics Drafter earns $77k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Electrical and Electronics Drafter jobs?
Our model puts Electrical and Electronics Drafter at 43 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Electrical and Electronics Drafter a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 3.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 1,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Electrical and Electronics Drafter?
Most Electrical and Electronics Drafter roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Electrical and Electronics Drafter?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Electrical and Electronics Drafter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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