by our College Data Analytics TeamThe planning process that goes into constructing a building is more extensive than we might assume. There are many hours of work and last-minute changes that take place before the actual blueprints are approved. If you would like to have a hand in crafting designs for buildings and projects, Drafting and Design Technology could be the major for you.
The study of Drafting and Design Technology teaches students the creative drawing, planning, and computer modeling that is used to construct a building or manufacture a product. Students won't only learn how to create plan for buildings, they also have the potential to learn how to draft dams, aircrafts, and machinery. Learning includes instruction in manufacturing materials and processes, drafting calculations, manufacturing circuitry, blueprint reading, and technical communication. While learning these new skills you will be taking classes in Architectural drafting, Construction materials, Product design, and Engineering Design graphics.
There are different concentrations within this major. A few of these concentrations include, CAD/CADD Drafting and Design Technology, Architectural Drafting, Civil Drafting, and Mechanical Drafting. This major is commonly offered as an Associate's degree, however can also be offered a Bachelors degree.
Studying Drafting & Design Engineering Technology covers Drafting/design Engineering Technologies/technicians. Read on to learn the essential details every drafting & design engineering technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering drafting & design engineering technology programs.
Across the country, drafting & design engineering technology is a popular field of study, with 9,702 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Drafting & Design Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 489 schools to determine the best overall colleges for drafting & design engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of drafting & design engineering technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Drafting & Design Engineering Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations drafting & design engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
Students who have strong mathematic and scientific skill are commonly successful within this major, as this makes up the basis for the major. It is important for students pay close attention to detail. While designing and drafting one small error can cause major concerns, therefore detail and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time is significant. The ability to take criticism and work in teams is a large part of this field, as well.
Students who are interested in this major should take prior classes in Computer/graphic arts, Geometry, Physics, and Industrial Art if available. The courses will help prepare students for the future course work they will be studying.
Skills emphasized by a drafting & design engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a drafting & design engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several drafting & design engineering technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,648 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,713 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 578 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,477 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 3 |
People currently working in careers related to drafting & design engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 40.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 31.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 15.3% |
| Some college courses | 7.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.4% |
| Master’s degree | 2.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
| First professional degree | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in drafting & design engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
If you are interested in pursuing Drafting and Design Technology, you can expect a career as an electrical drafter, civil drafter, process piping or pipeline drafter, aeronautical drafter, or mechanical drafter. All these drafters work with different structures. For example an Aeronautical drafter designs aircrafts and missile parts. A civil drafter will design bridges, highways, and other structures.
A degree in drafting & design engineering technology prepares you for many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to drafting & design engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to drafting & design engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | 161,833 | 12.3% |
| Mechanical Drafters | 127,074 | 12.6% |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 114,684 | 13.5% |
| Drafters, All Other | 32,528 | -1.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of drafting & design engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,976 |
| 4 years | $45,788 |
| 5 years | $51,867 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for drafting & design engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers drafting & design engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Drafters, All Other | $114,777 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $109,781 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
| Mechanical Drafters | $78,252 |
With 489 different drafting & design engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased drafting & design engineering technology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in drafting & design engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
