Electrical and electronics drafters
SOC Code: 17-3012
Electrical and electronics drafters carries a 58% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $73,720 and -5.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 21,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 58% AI exposure, Electrical and electronics drafters sits 21 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 93% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Electrical and electronics drafters sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Electrical and electronics drafters has ai exposure of 58%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Electrical and electronics drafters vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Electrical and electronics drafters is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Electrical and electronics drafters (SOC 17-3012) carries an AI exposure score of 58%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 21,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -5.6% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $73,720, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Electrical and electronics drafters. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Electrical and electronics drafters is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
- 2. Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
- 3. Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
- 4. Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
- 5. Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
- 6. Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
- 7. Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.
- 8. Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.
- 9. Draw master sketches to scale showing relation of proposed installations to existing facilities and exact specifications and dimensions.
- 10. Review work orders or procedural manuals and confer with vendors or design staff to resolve problems or modify design.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Time Management
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Geography
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Electrical and electronics drafters?
Electrical and electronics drafters has an AI exposure score of 58%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Electrical and electronics drafters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Electrical and electronics drafters is projected to decline by 5.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 21,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Electrical and electronics drafters?
Key skills for Electrical and electronics drafters include Active Listening, Writing, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Electrical and electronics drafters earn?
The median annual wage for Electrical and electronics drafters is $73,720, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Electrical and electronics drafters?
The typical entry-level education for Electrical and electronics drafters is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Electrical and electronics drafters?
Electrical and electronics drafters roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).