Drafters use software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

What do Drafters do?

Drafters typically do the following:

• Design plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software

• Work from rough sketches and specifications created by engineers and architects

• Design products with engineering and manufacturing techniques

• Add details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques

• Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new products

• Work under the supervision of engineers or architects

Many drafters are referred to as CAD operators. Using CAD systems, drafters create and store technical drawings digitally. These drawings contain information on how to build a structure or machine, the dimensions of the project, and what materials are needed to complete the project.

Drafters work with CAD so they can create schematics that can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into building information modeling (BIM) systems. These systems allow drafters, architects, construction managers, and engineers to create and collaborate on digital models of physical buildings and machines. Through three-dimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how different elements in their projects work together.

The following are examples of types of drafters:

Careers for Drafters

• Aeronautical drafters

• Architectural drafters

• Automotive design drafters

• Blueprint tracers

• Building drafters

• CAD designers

• CAD drafters

• Circuit board drafters

• Civil computer-aided design and drafting technicians

• Civil drafters

• Die designers

• Drafting layout workers

• Draftsmen

• Draughtsmen

• Electrical computer aided design and drafting technicians

• Electrical drafters

• Electrical systems drafters

• Electronic drafters

• Electronics drafters

• Gage designers

• Geological drafters

• Marine drafters

• Mechanical design drafters

• Mechanical drafters

• Printed circuit board drafters

• Structural drafters

• Tool and die designers

• Tool designers

Salary of Drafters

The median, the maximum, the minimum, and the range

• Salary Range
  CAD Drafter salaries in Philippines range from 10,600 PHP per month (minimum salary) to 36,500 PHP per month (maximum salary).
• Median Salary
  The median salary is 24,800 PHP per month, which means that half (50%) of people working as CAD Drafter(s) are earning less than 24,800 PHP while the other half are earning more than 24,800 PHP. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.
• Percentiles
  Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of CAD Drafter(s) are earning less than 15,900 PHP while 75% of them are earning more than 15,900 PHP. Also from the diagram, 75% of CAD Drafter(s) are earning less than 33,100 PHP while 25% are earning more than 33,100 PHP.

What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both of the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people are earning more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios.

CAD Drafter Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

CAD Drafter Salary Comparison By Education