Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for precision and technical excellence, this program equips students with the specialized skills needed to translate engineering concepts into detailed, functional schematics and technical drawings. Graduates emerge proficient in supporting electrical, electronic, and computer engineering teams through accurate, industry-compliant documentation and design representation.
- Basic Electronics Principles: Foundations of circuit behavior, component functions, and signal flow essential for accurate schematic development.
- Electrical Systems and Computer Layouts: Study of integrated power distribution, control systems, and spatial planning for electronic equipment and infrastructure.
- Electromechanical Drafting Techniques: Methods for designing and documenting systems that combine electrical components with mechanical structures.
- Manufacturing Circuitry Processes: Understanding of fabrication requirements, material selection, and production constraints in printed circuit board design.
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Applications: Mastery of industry-standard software tools for creating, modifying, and managing complex technical drawings with precision.
- Electrical Systems Specification Interpretation: Ability to read, analyze, and implement technical documentation and engineering standards in design workflows.
Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD degrees, including Electrical and Electronics Drafters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 20,020 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters 17-3012 | $73,720 | $48,680 - $110,180 | 20,020 | $35.44 |
Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,490 in Alabama to $101,680 in New Hampshire—a 90% difference. The highest-paying states include New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 20,020 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD is found at Dunwoody College of Technology (DCT) (20 graduates), Austin Community College District (ACC) (11 graduates), Middlesex Community College (MCC) (10 graduates), Arizona Western College (AWC) (6 graduates), and Pima Community College (PCC) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 60 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunwoody College of Technology (DCT) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | dunwoody.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
| Middlesex Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Bedford, Massachusetts | Public | middlesex.mass.edu |
| Arizona Western College (AWC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Yuma, Arizona | Public | azwestern.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Palomar College |
Other Award
|
2 | San Marcos, California | Public | www2.palomar.edu |
| Kaskaskia College (KC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Centralia, Illinois | Public | kaskaskia.edu |
| Lee College |
Other Award
|
2 | Baytown, Texas | Public | lee.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Ventura, California | Public | adultedventura.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD programs
How much can I earn with a Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD degree?
Salaries for Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD graduates vary by role and location. Electrical and Electronics Drafters earn a median of $73,720 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Hampshire average $101,680 compared to $53,490 in Alabama. Approximately 20,020 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Dunwoody College of Technology (DCT) (20 graduates), Austin Community College District (ACC) (11 graduates), and Middlesex Community College (MCC) (10 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 82 in 2010 to 60 in 2023-24. This represents a 27% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Electrical and Electronics Drafting and CAD degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Electrical and Electronics Drafters. Related occupations employ approximately 20,020 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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