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What is a drafter apprentice and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a drafter apprentice. For example, did you know that they make an average of $24.92 an hour? That's $51,830 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -3% and produce -6,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDrafter ApprenticeUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,830

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.3

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 7.02%

Black or African American 3.09%

Hispanic or Latino 11.66%

Unknown 5.20%

White 72.33%

Gender

female 21.43%

male 78.57%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
4.3

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a drafter apprentice

  1. Explore drafter apprentice education requirements

    Most common drafter apprentice degrees

    Associate

    41.2 %

    Bachelor's

    23.5 %

    Master's

    11.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific drafter apprentice skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Autocad54.94%
    Machine Shop32.24%
    Shop Drawings12.82%
  3. Complete relevant drafter apprentice training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New drafter apprentices learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a drafter apprentice based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real drafter apprentice resumes.
  4. Research drafter apprentice duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the design history of 3D part models, assemblies, and drawings using PDM software.
    • Complete dimensional documentation, BOM, structural frame welding and assembly documentation.
    • Maintain inventory of PC users/computers.
  5. Apply for drafter apprentice jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a drafter apprentice job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first drafter apprentice job

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Average drafter apprentice salary

The average drafter apprentice salary in the United States is $51,830 per year or $25 per hour. Drafter apprentice salaries range between $37,000 and $71,000 per year.

Average drafter apprentice salary
$51,830 Yearly
$24.92 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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