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Engineering

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

Median salary (BLS)

$76,870

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$50k – $120k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $99,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$8,175–$22,500

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    FE exam (optional — PE track)

    Certification

    The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first step toward a PE license; many engineering roles never need it.

    $175–$500 · 2 months source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Electrical and Electronics Drafters" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Electrical and Electronics Drafters

    Entry / Junior

    $50,040

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Electrical and Electronics Drafters

    Established

    $76,870

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Electrical and Electronics Drafters

    Senior

    $98,580

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
  • •Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
  • •Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
  • •Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
  • •Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Engineering

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.