Skip to content
CIP 15.1306 Engineering Technologies

Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

333

2025 · 57 schools

International share

2.7%

9 international students

Bachelor's degrees

2

0.0% international

Overview

Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD is a specialized field focused on the creation and interpretation of technical drawings and plans used in engineering and manufacturing processes. This discipline combines traditional drafting techniques with modern computer-aided design (CAD) technologies to produce detailed representations of mechanical components, assemblies, and systems.

Students in this program learn the principles of mechanical design, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, material selection, and manufacturing processes. They are trained to use CAD software, which enables them to create 2D and 3D models, enhance productivity, and improve accuracy in their designs. Common software tools include AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and CATIA, which are widely used in the industry.

The curriculum typically covers topics such as blueprint reading, mechanical design principles, and the application of CAD software in various engineering contexts. It also emphasizes problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate technical information effectively, which are crucial in collaborative environments.

Graduates of Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD programs often pursue careers as mechanical drafters, CAD technicians, or design engineers in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and construction. They play a vital role in the development of new products, ensuring that designs are not only functional but also manufacturable and compliant with industry standards. Overall, this program equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, making them valuable assets in the engineering workforce.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates fell 65% and the international share went from 2.0% to 2.7%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
65.8%
Asian
4.5%
Hispanic
17.7%
Black
3.6%
Other
5.7%
Intl.
2.7%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 57 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#219 Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Indiana 2 0
— Grand Rapids Community College Michigan 20 0
— Macomb Community College Michigan 16 0
— Fox Valley Technical College Wisconsin 15 1
— Des Moines Area Community College Iowa 14 0
— Texas State Technical College Texas 14 0
— Madison Area Technical College Wisconsin 13 1
— Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Kansas 12 0
— Chippewa Valley Technical College Wisconsin 12 0
— Austin Community College District Texas 11 0
— Northcentral Technical College Wisconsin 11 0
— Milwaukee Area Technical College Wisconsin 10 0
— Western Iowa Tech Community College Iowa 9 2
— Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Wisconsin 9 0
— Mid Michigan College Michigan 8 0
— Oakland Community College Michigan 8 2
— Alexandria Technical & Community College Minnesota 7 0
— Bergen Community College New Jersey 7 1
— Waukesha County Technical College Wisconsin 7 0
— Red Rocks Community College Colorado 6 0
— Delaware Technical Community College-Terry Delaware 6 0
— Anoka Technical College Minnesota 6 0
— Gateway Technical College Wisconsin 6 0
— Moraine Park Technical College Wisconsin 6 0
— Chaffey College California 5 0
— Long Beach City College California 5 0
— San Joaquin Delta College California 5 0
— Lewis-Clark State College Idaho 5 0
— Portland Community College Oregon 5 0
— MiraCosta College California 4 0
— Santa Ana College California 4 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Mechanical Drafters 39,960 $36.09 $75,060

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.