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Advanced Manufacturing

Mechanical Drafter and CAD/CAM Programmer

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Annual openings

63

Median wage

$85,280

Typical education

Associate's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+3%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Associate's degree

Credential requirement

A National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level I Certification or graduation from a CAD/CAM program is valued. CAD/CAM training and certifications, such as those from Autodesk are also valued.

Work experience

This can be an entry-level role or a promotion from other production floor positions.

Work-based learning

There are several high schools that have programs using CAD/CAM software. In addition, if you are in the Denver Metro area and are interested in how to get Your Future in Aerospace Off the Ground, check out Wings Over the Rockies programs. One teaches using CAD/CAM software.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, attention to detail (including the ability to build something to specifications and tolerance), diagnosing and problem solving, basic computer skills, teamwork, a focus on safety, and accountability. A solid understanding and practical application of math (such as Geometry and Trigonometry) is also valued.
Are computers your thing? Are you detail-oriented and good with numbers? Becoming a Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) programmer in an advanced manufacturing setting is a great way to put your mental skills to work. You’ll program machines and watch your hard work turn into efficient systems and effective products. Products you might be designing yourself or along with engineers, drafters, and designers.
Your main tool will be CAD/CAM software, which allows you to program machines and systems to operate in a specific way. You will write programs that are tailored to specific projects and products, and a big part your work everyday will be running tests and using the results to improve the manufacturing systems - one employee was able to reduce the number of machine cycles by 70% through innovation. Because projects and customer needs are constantly changing, you won’t have to worry about being bored at work.
A CAD/CAM programmer needs a good understanding of what goes on during the manufacturing processes, so you’ll spend some time on the production floor in order to make sure that the programs you’re creating are working to create quality products.

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

  1. Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  2. Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
  3. Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
  4. Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
  5. Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
  6. Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
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