What Does an Electrical Drafter Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does an electrical drafter do?

Electrical and electronics drafters prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams and layout drawings used for the installation and repair of electrical equipment. The median pay is $76,870 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2-year degree, and employment is projected to grow -3.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$76,870
$36.96/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-3.4%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
1,400
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
2-year degree
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
18,900
Employment, 2025

What electrical drafters do

Electrical drafters turn engineering designs into drawings. They draw power plans, lighting layouts, panel schedules, one-line diagrams and control schematics for buildings, plants and equipment.

An associate degree in drafting or engineering technology is typical. BLS projects decline as engineers do more of their own CAD.

Typical duties

Draw electrical plans
Draw one-line diagrams
Create panel schedules
Draw control schematics
Update drawings
Check for errors
Coordinate with engineers

Work environment and schedule

Drafters work in engineering offices, often remotely.

Schedule: Full-time business hours.

A day in the life

8:00 AMReview engineer markups.
9:00 AMDraw a lighting plan.
11:00 AMBuild a panel schedule.
1:00 PMDraw a one-line diagram.

See a full day in the life of an electrical drafter →

Electrical Drafter salary

Half of electrical drafters earned more than $76,870 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $50,040 for the lowest 10% to $120,290 for the top 10%.

$50,04010th$76,870Median$120,29090th

Full electrical drafter pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an electrical drafter

Earn an associate degree
Learn AutoCAD and Revit
Get hired
Learn electrical systems
Advance

An associate degree in drafting or engineering technology is typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an electrical drafter →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

AutoCAD
Revit MEP
Electrical symbols
One-line diagrams
Panel schedules

People skills

Attention to detail
Organization
Communication
Patience

All electrical drafter skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Two-year path
Remote options
Office work
Technical skill

Cons

Declining employment
Desk-heavy
Revision churn
Deadline pressure

Certifications and licenses

ADDA certification: American Design Drafting Association.
Autodesk certification: AutoCAD or Revit.
EPLAN training: Controls.
NEC course: Helpful.

Career path

Drafter: Entry.
Senior Drafter: Complex drawings.
Electrical Designer: Design.
Design Manager: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Electrical Drafter training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as draw a clear one-line diagram and build a panel schedule, safety and how to land your first job.

View Electrical Drafter training Is this career right for me?

CAD Drafter

Turn engineers’ and architects’ designs into detailed technical drawings.

$66,150
1–2 years

Electrical Engineer

Design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life.

$120,630
4 years

Mechanical Drafter

Create detailed drawings of machines, parts and mechanical systems.

$71,550
2-year degree

Electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.

$63,190
4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)

Compare: Electrical Drafter vs. CAD Drafter · Electrical Drafter vs. Electrical Engineer · Electrical Drafter vs. Mechanical Drafter · Electrical Drafter vs. Electrician

Electrical Drafter FAQ

Do I need a degree?

An associate degree is typical.

Is the job declining?

BLS projects decline.

Can drafters work remotely?

Many do.

How much does an electrical drafter make?

The median annual wage for electrical drafters was $76,870 ($36.96 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,040 and the highest 10% earned more than $120,290.

How long does it take to become an electrical drafter?

Most people need about 2-year degree of training. An associate degree in drafting or engineering technology is typical.

Do you need a degree to be an electrical drafter?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3012 (Electrical and electronics drafters).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Electrical and electronics drafters (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Electrical Drafter