Occupation · SOC 17-3012
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 wage
$73,720
$48,680–$110,180
Projected growth
-5.6%
Declining
Annual openings
-120
per year
Employed (US)
20,020
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
717 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningWritingJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingActive LearningTime ManagementMonitoringCoordinationSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessQuality Control AnalysisService OrientationMathematicsInstructingPersuasionOperations AnalysisLearning StrategiesNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesTroubleshootingTechnology DesignOperations MonitoringProgrammingScienceManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesEquipment SelectionOperation and ControlInstallationEquipment MaintenanceRepairing
Knowledge areas
DesignEngineering and TechnologyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsAdministrativeEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityGeographyAdministration and ManagementMechanicalProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServicePhysicsTelecommunicationsLaw and GovernmentPersonnel and Human ResourcesBuilding and ConstructionTransportationCommunications and MediaChemistrySales and MarketingBiologyForeign LanguageEconomics and AccountingPsychologyHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and TheologyFood Production
Technology & tools
1CadCam UnigraphicsAdobe IllustratorAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitAveva Group Plant Design Management System PDMSBentley AutoPLANTBentley I/RAS BBentley MicroStationBentley PlantSpace SupportModelerBentley Systems ProjectWiseBowen & Groves M1 ERPCC++COADE CADWorx P&IDCadence OrCAD softwareCadence PSpiceCadence Virtuoso Layout SuiteComputer aided design and drafting software CADDCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksDesign specification database softwareECT International Raceway Multi-PackEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEpicor Vantage ERPExact Software Macola ERPField programmable gate array FPGA design softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsIBM Lotus NotesIntergraph INtoolsLinuxLinux Virtual ServerMade2Manage Systems M2M ERPMagellan FirmwareManufacturing resource planning MRP softwareMathWorks SimulinkMentor Graphics Expedition EnterpriseMentor Graphics PADSMentor Graphics Xpedition xDX DesignerMicrosoft Access
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersThinking CreativelyDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesTraining and Teaching OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeoplePerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDeveloping and Building TeamsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoaching and Developing OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsSelling or Influencing Others
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic CAD software commands and drafting tools — apply under direct supervision to produce simple electrical component drawings in a production drafting environment.Standard drafting symbols and notation conventions — recognize and use when labeling elementary wiring diagrams under technician or engineer guidance.Detail drawings of basic design components — draft using computer-assisted equipment following established templates on an entry-level drafting assignment.Documentation packages for simple projects — assemble and organize under supervision so completed drawing sets are ready for engineer review.Wiring diagrams and connection specifications — reproduce from marked-up sketches provided by engineers, following standard formatting protocols.Engineering and technology terminology — read and interpret in technical instructions and design briefs to carry out assigned drafting tasks.Measurements for wire and cable runs — record accurately under direction using standard measuring instruments at a job site or from as-built plans.CAD layer structures and file-naming conventions — follow consistently to maintain drawing set organization within a shared project directory.Drafting errors and omissions — identify in own work by cross-checking against provided specifications before submitting drawings for review.Time and task priorities — manage under supervisor guidance to meet basic project milestones in a structured drafting office setting.
developing
Detail and assembly drawings of multi-component circuitry — draft with minimal oversight using CAD software, applying firm drafting standards on commercial or industrial projects.Working drawings and cross-sections of underground cable installations — produce independently, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and installation crew requirements.Wiring connection specifications and conduit routing diagrams — develop from engineer-supplied design concepts for routine electrical system projects.Completed construction drawings — review for accuracy and conformity to applicable standards and regulations, flagging discrepancies for engineering resolution.Drawing sets and documentation packages — compile and coordinate so that all components are consistent, complete, and ready for architect or engineer sign-off.Design requirements and clarifications — gather by consulting directly with engineers or architects to resolve ambiguities in working drawing assignments.Engineering staff and technical personnel — confer with routinely to troubleshoot drafting or design conflicts encountered during active project production.Graphics and photo-imaging software — use to prepare presentation-quality exhibits and schematic overlays supporting client submittals.Project files and revision histories — maintain within ERP or project management software to ensure traceability of drawing changes across project phases.Geographic and spatial factors affecting equipment layout — evaluate using GIS tools or scaled site plans to inform placement decisions in moderate-complexity electrical designs.
proficient
Full drawing sets for complex electrical and electronics systems — produce autonomously, managing CAD drafting and quality control across all project phases in industrial or large commercial environments.Non-standard wiring configurations and circuit board assemblies — draft and resolve independently, applying advanced CAD and analytical software to handle design exceptions.Lighting systems and other complete electrical system designs — develop from conceptual input, translating engineering intent into code-compliant, construction-ready documents.Cost estimate documentation — review critically against construction drawings to verify scope alignment, flagging discrepancies before project authorization.Design concept discussions with engineers — lead proactively, synthesizing technical input to determine detailed drawing requirements for complex or novel installations.Cross-functional problems involving installation conflicts, code changes, or design revisions — resolve by coordinating engineering, construction, and regulatory stakeholders.Cable span distances, load paths, and equipment clearances — measure and calculate independently, integrating results into precise working drawings for installation crews.CAD and CAM software environments — configure and optimize to support efficient drawing production workflows for the drafting team on multi-discipline projects.Drawing accuracy and regulatory conformity — evaluate systematically across entire project sets, applying critical thinking to identify systemic errors before construction release.Technical reports and written specifications — author clearly to communicate design decisions, deviation justifications, and revision histories to engineering and project management staff.
advanced
Organizational drafting standards and CAD template libraries — establish and maintain to govern electrical drawing production quality across all projects and personnel in the firm.Drafting team competency development — lead through mentoring, structured on-the-job training, and performance feedback, elevating the collective capability of junior and mid-level drafters.Complex multi-discipline electrical and electronics projects — oversee from design initiation through construction release, directing drawing production strategy and resource allocation.Interdepartmental workflows between engineering, drafting, and construction — design and implement to reduce rework, improve drawing set accuracy, and shorten project delivery cycles.Regulatory and industry standards compliance programs — champion by interpreting code updates and integrating requirements into firm-wide drafting practices and quality review protocols.Technology adoption decisions for CAD, CAM, GIS, and ERP platforms — evaluate and direct, ensuring the drafting department maintains current, efficient toolsets aligned with business objectives.Cost estimate and constructability review processes — lead at the project or portfolio level, collaborating with engineers and project managers to validate technical accuracy and feasibility.Client and stakeholder technical presentations — deliver at project milestone reviews, translating complex electrical system designs into accessible visual and written communications.Strategic quality assurance frameworks for drawing production — develop and enforce to ensure conformity to national electrical codes and client specifications across all project types.Knowledge-sharing programs and best-practice documentation — create and institutionalize so that lessons learned in complex electrical drafting projects are captured and applied organization-wide.
Also known as
48 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Analog Design EngineerAnalog Integrated Circuits Design Engineer (Analog IC Design Engineer)AutoCAD DrafterAutoCAD TechnicianCAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter)CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman)CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter)Circuit Board DrafterCircuit DesignerComputer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer)Computer-Aided Design OperatorComputer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech)Computer-Aided Drafting and Design DesignerComputer-Aided Drafting and Design OperatorDesign DrafterDesignerDistribution DesignerDrafterDrafting Technician (Drafting Tech)Electrical Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician (Electrical CADD Tech)Electrical Computer-Aided Design OperatorElectrical Computer-Aided Drafting and Design DesignerElectrical Controls DesignerElectrical Design TechnicianElectrical DesignerElectrical Distribution DesignerElectrical DrafterElectrical Systems DrafterElectromechanical Design DrafterElectromechanisms Design DrafterElectronic DrafterEngineering AgentEquipment Services Associate (ESA)IC Layout Designer (Integrated Circuit Layout Designer)Instrumentation DesignerLayout DesignerLine StakerMask DesignerMask Layout DesignerPrinted Circuit Board Designer (PCB Designer)