Earnings

Drafters' earnings vary by specialty, location, and level of responsibility. Median annual wages of
architectural and civil drafters were $44,490 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned
between $35,290 and $55,740. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,220, and the highest
10 percent earned more than $67,110. Median annual wages for architectural and civil drafters in
architectural, engineering, and related services were $44,390.

Median annual wages of mechanical drafters were $46,640 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent
earned between $36,490 and $59,010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,390, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $71,340. Median annual wages for mechanical drafters in
architectural, engineering, and related services were $47,630.

Median annual wages of electrical and electronics drafters were $51,320 in May 2008. The middle
50 percent earned between $40,210 and $65,400. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,050,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,790. In architectural, engineering, and related
services, median annual wages for electrical and electronics drafters were $47,910.