Skip to content
Boston Career Explorer

Architecture and Engineering

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Also called: CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator), CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist), Design Drafter, Die Designer, Drafter

Median pay in Greater Boston
$78,210
$37.60/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
410
Massachusetts 2024–2034
−8.1%
70 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Associate's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$52,000$62,060$78,210$98,040$116,720

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
  • Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
  • Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
  • Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
  • Create bills of materials.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Moderate exposure66 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 67
  • Language-model AIOE 57
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 75

Observed AI use today: Little or none (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure for this job is moderate, and observed AI use is still little or none. Design software can speed up 3D models and detailed drawings, and Massachusetts is projected to need about 8.1% fewer of these jobs by 2034. Checking materials, understanding how parts fit together, and working with engineers still need human judgment.

Likely to change

  • Building 3D models and detailed drawings
  • Laying out views of parts and assemblies

Still relies on people

  • Judging how parts fit and function together
  • Checking material dimensions and design details

What federal projections say

“Productivity change - share decreases as software makes design processes more efficient and allows drafters to produce designs for rapid prototype development.”
BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

    Reading mechanical drawings and knowing part dimensions carry over directly to planning machine operations, in a field projected to grow 15.5% in Massachusetts.

    Pay difference
    +$7,350 median
    AI exposure
    Moderate
    MA growth
    +15.5%
    To get started
    Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

    Your understanding of mechanical devices and controls helps you repair valves and regulators, with lower AI exposure and on-the-job training.

    Pay difference
    +$17,310 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +4.8%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Electricians

    Following sketches and blueprints carries over to wiring work, which is learned through an apprenticeship and projected to grow 11.6%.

    Pay difference
    +$1,700 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +11.6%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

4 programs near Boston

Related occupations

Talk to a career coach

A coach at the Office of Workforce Development can help you plan your next step, and connect you with training, apprenticeships and City partner programs that are not listed here.

Talk to a career coach