Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this field develop advanced technical skills in the creation, analysis, and refinement of engineering designs using digital tools and industry-standard methodologies. The program prepares learners to translate conceptual ideas into precise, functional technical drawings and models used across manufacturing, construction, and product development sectors.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Master industry-leading software to generate detailed 2D and 3D models, enabling accurate visualization and documentation of engineering components and systems.
- Technical Drafting Principles: Learn standardized practices for dimensioning, tolerancing, and notation to ensure clarity, precision, and compliance with engineering specifications.
- Engineering Graphics and Visualization: Develop the ability to represent complex mechanical and structural systems through orthographic projections, isometric views, and sectional diagrams.
- Manufacturing Processes and Materials: Gain foundational knowledge of materials behavior and production techniques to inform design decisions and ensure feasibility in real-world applications.
- Design for Assembly and Manufacturability (DFM/DFA): Apply principles that optimize designs for efficient production, reducing costs and improving reliability during fabrication and integration.
- Industry-Specific Applications: Explore specialized design workflows relevant to fields such as mechanical systems, architectural structures, electrical systems, and product development.
Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies degrees, including Drafters, All Other. 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 16,010 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drafters, All Other 17-3019 | $62,010 | $42,170 - $96,620 | 16,010 | $29.81 |
Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $41,290 in Rhode Island to $87,820 in Massachusetts—a 113% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, Utah, and Nevada. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 16,010 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 Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies 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 Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies is found at Weber State University (WSU) (19 graduates), Southeast Community College Area (SCC) (17 graduates), Central Michigan University (CMU) (8 graduates), Oakland Community College (OCC) (7 graduates), and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 68 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
19 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Associate's
|
17 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Oakland Community College (OCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Auburn Hills, Michigan | Public | oaklandcc.edu |
| Northern Essex Community College (NECC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Haverhill, Massachusetts | Public | necc.mass.edu |
| Chesapeake College |
Other Award
|
4 | Wye Mills, Maryland | Public | chesapeake.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Nanticoke, Pennsylvania | Public | luzerne.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Langston University (LU) |
Associate's
|
1 | Langston, Oklahoma | Public | langston.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies programs
How much can I earn with a Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies degree?
Salaries for Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies graduates vary by role and location. Drafters, All Other earn a median of $62,010 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $87,820 compared to $41,290 in Rhode Island. Approximately 16,010 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 Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Weber State University (WSU) (19 graduates), Southeast Community College Area (SCC) (17 graduates), and Central Michigan University (CMU) (8 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 Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 153 in 2010 to a peak of 73 in 2020, before declining slightly to 68 in 2023-24. This represents a 56% 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 Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 16,010 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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