Occupation Summary

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

O*NET 17-3012.00

Description:

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

Annual Wages:
$74,822.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 12.91%.
Education Level:
Bachelor's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)

  1. Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
  2. Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
  3. Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
  4. Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
  5. Examine electronic schematics and supporting documents to develop, compute, and verify specifications for drafting data, such as configuration of parts, dimensions, or tolerances.
  6. Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
  7. Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
  8. Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.
  9. Locate files relating to specified design project in database library, load program into computer, and record completed job data.
  10. Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.
  11. Draw master sketches to scale showing relation of proposed installations to existing facilities and exact specifications and dimensions.
  12. Study work order requests to determine type of service, such as lighting or power, demanded by installation.
  13. Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments, as necessary.
  14. Review work orders or procedural manuals and confer with vendors or design staff to resolve problems or modify design.
  15. Reproduce working drawings on copy machines or trace drawings in ink.
  16. Generate computer tapes of final layout design to produce layered photo masks or photo plotting design onto film.
  17. Key and program specified commands and engineering specifications into computer system to change functions and test final layout.
  18. Supervise and coordinate work activities of workers engaged in drafting, designing layouts, assembling, or testing printed circuit boards.
  19. Compare logic element configuration on display screen with engineering schematics and calculate figures to convert, redesign, or modify element.
  20. Determine the order of work and the method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
  21. Review blueprints to determine customer requirements and consult with assembler regarding schematics, wiring procedures, or conductor paths.
  22. Visit proposed installation sites and draw rough sketches of location.
  23. Select drill size to drill test head, according to test design and specifications, and submit guide layout to designated department.
  24. Plot electrical test points on layout sheets and draw schematics for wiring test fixture heads to frames.
  25. Write technical reports and draw charts that display statistics and data.
  26. Copy drawings of printed circuit board fabrication using print machine or blueprinting procedure.
  27. Train students to use drafting machines and to prepare schematic diagrams, block diagrams, control drawings, logic diagrams, integrated circuit drawings, or interconnection diagrams.
  28. Prepare and interpret specifications, calculating weights, volumes, or stress factors.
  29. Supervise or train other technologists, technicians, or drafters.
  30. Use computer-aided drafting equipment or conventional drafting stations, technical handbooks, tables, calculators, or traditional drafting tools, such as boards, pencils, protractors, or T-squares.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Electrical and Electronics Drafters employed Annual Growth Rate
Architectural, engineering, and related services 32.8 0.00
Building equipment contractors 12.9 -0.36
Electric power generation, transmission and distribution 8.8 0.00
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing 4 1.06
Electronic instrument manufacturing 2.5 0.00
Electrical equipment manufacturing 2.4 1.84


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $35.97
2024 National average hourly wage $37.48
2022 National employment 21,800
2022 Texas employment 3,191
Texas projected employment by 2032 3,603
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 316




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
87.60%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
85.20%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
83.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
78.60%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
71.80%
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
70.20%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
64.00%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
63.00%
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
62.20%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
58.60%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
72.40%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
70.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
70.00%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
70.00%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
67.60%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
67.60%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
65.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65.00%
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
62.40%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
60.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
80.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
77.60%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
77.60%
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
72.40%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72.40%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
72.40%
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
70.00%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
67.60%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
67.60%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
65.00%


  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
    -- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
    -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Compasses: Compasses; Dividers;

Curves: Drafting curves;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Drafting kits or sets: Drafting machines;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Protractors: Protractors;

Rulers: Steel rules;

T squares: T-squares;

Triangles: Drafting triangles;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: Cadence PSpice; MathWorks Simulink; Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE; SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools; The MathWorks MATLAB; Very high speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL simulation software;

Application server software: Linux Virtual Server;

Computer aided design CAD software: Field programmable gate array FPGA design software; Intergraph INtools; Cadence OrCAD software; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks; ECT International Raceway Multi-Pack; Cadence Virtuoso Layout Suite; COADE CADWorx P&ID; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Autodesk AutoCAD; Autodesk Revit; Aveva Group Plant Design Management System PDMS; Bentley AutoPLANT; Bentley I/RAS B; Bentley MicroStation; Bentley PlantSpace SupportModeler; SofTech CADRA; UGS Solid Edge; PTC Creo Parametric; PTC Pro/Cable; PTC Pro/Pipe; Mentor Graphics Expedition Enterprise; Mentor Graphics PADS; Mentor Graphics Xpedition xDX Designer; NavisWorks Jetstream; Zuken CADSTAR;

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: 1CadCam Unigraphics;

Data base user interface and query software: Design specification database software; PCI Express PCIe; PEDYN P2000; Microsoft Access;

Development environment software: SystemVerilog; Verilog; Tool command language Tcl; C;

Document management software: PTC Windchill;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook; IBM Lotus Notes;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: Manufacturing resource planning MRP software; Made2Manage Systems M2M ERP; Bowen & Groves M1 ERP; Enterprise resource planning ERP software; Epicor Vantage ERP; Exact Software Macola ERP; SoftBrands Fourth Shift Edition; Sage ERP Accpac; SAP software;

Geographic information system: Geographic information system GIS systems;

Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Illustrator; Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite;

Industrial control software: Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software; Programmable logic controller PLC software;

Object or component oriented development software: Perl; Python; C++;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Operating system software; UNIX; Linux; Magellan Firmware;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Process mapping and design software: Microsoft Visio;

Project management software: Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Project Management; Microsoft Project; Microsoft SharePoint; PTC Pro/INTRALINK; Bentley Systems ProjectWise;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Electrical and Electronics Drafters include:
  • 17-3011.00 Architectural and Civil Drafters
  • 17-3028.00 Calibration Technologists and Technicians
  • 17-3022.00 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 27-1021.00 Commercial and Industrial Designers
  • 51-9162.00 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
  • 17-3023.00 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 17-2071.00 Electrical Engineers
  • 17-2072.00 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  • 17-3013.00 Mechanical Drafters
  • 17-3027.00 Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information on schools offering programs in drafting and related fields, visit: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges  
  • For more information on certification, visit: American Design Drafting Association
  • Career Outlook: "You're a what? CAD designer"
  • Architectural and Civil Drafters
  • Drafters, All Other
  • Electrical and Electronics Drafters
  • Mechanical Drafters

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.