Electrical and Electronics Drafter
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Annual openings
62
BLS median wage
$79,300
Typical education
High school (GED), plus on-the-job training
10-year growth
+2%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
High school (GED), plus on-the-job training
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Credential detail
Training and certifications in CAD Software, such as AutoCAD is valued by many employers. OSHA 10 certification is valued, though not usually required before you get into the industry.
Work experience
This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.
Employer competency information
- Lifelong Learning - Renewables is a growing industry. Careers can go many different directions if employees want to learn more.
- Working with Tools and Technology — The ability to use tools to construct things in a safe manner, mechanical/electrical aptitude, the ability to solve problems, the use of computers, and the ability to read schematics are valuable.
- Communication and Teamwork — You will be working as part of a team, so good communication and teamwork skills and a positive attitude are important.
- Working outdoors — Installation work is generally outdoors and involves physical activity, so an interest in working outside is a plus for many of the jobs.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
- Study work order requests to determine type of service, such as lighting or power, demanded by installation.
- Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
- Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.
- Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.
- Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.