Most Drafting/Design Engineering Tech programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $60,153 right after finishing, climbing to $71,753 four years out.
Drafting/Design Engineering Tech is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $71,753 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 609 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 9,134 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$60,153
Median Earnings · 4yr
$71,753
Colleges Offering
609
Graduates / Year
9,134
Avg Net Price / yr
$9,580
How Much Do Drafting/Design Engineering Tech Graduates Earn?
Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates earn $71,753 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $56,763 and $85,957.
$60,153
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.
$71,753
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$71,326
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$56,76325th pct.
$71,753Median
$85,95775th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $71,753 against an estimated $38,320 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 26 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 9,134 students who complete Drafting/Design Engineering Tech programs each year, the majority (52%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
33%52%
Associate's52%
Certificate33%
Bachelor's7%
What Can You Do With a Drafting/Design Engineering Tech Degree?
Drafting/Design Engineering Tech connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Electrical and Electronics Drafters leads at $76,870/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Active ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingWritingReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
Active LearningCritical ThinkingMathematicsActive ListeningReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
Reading ComprehensionSystems AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningCritical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Top Colleges for Drafting/Design Engineering Tech
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Drafting/Design Engineering Tech students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Drafting/Design Engineering Tech is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Drafting/Design Engineering Tech program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Drafting/Design Engineering Tech shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $71,753 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 15,000 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 609 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Declining roles in some areas2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
How much do Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates earn?
Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates earn a national median of $71,753 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $56,763 and $85,957. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Drafting/Design Engineering Tech degree?
One year after graduation, Drafting/Design Engineering Tech degree holders earn a median of $60,153. That climbs to $71,753 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Drafting/Design Engineering Tech degree?
Drafting/Design Engineering Tech degree holders pursue careers including Electrical and Electronics Drafters, which pays a median of $76,870/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Drafting/Design Engineering Tech program take?
A Drafting/Design Engineering Tech associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Drafting/Design Engineering Tech?
609 colleges and universities in the United States offer Drafting/Design Engineering Tech programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Drafting/Design Engineering Tech degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $71,753 and an average net price of roughly $9,580/yr, a Drafting/Design Engineering Tech degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Drafting/Design Engineering Tech and Engineering Tech?
Drafting/Design Engineering Tech is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Drafting/Design Engineering Tech-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates?
The job outlook for Drafting/Design Engineering Tech graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of -2.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Architectural and Civil Drafters is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Other programs in Engineering Tech. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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